Questioning Decolonization

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By: Trevor R. Getz

This module examines decolonization both as a historical process, and in terms of changes still occurring in societies around the world. Using both secondary and primary sources, it begins with an examination of what colonialism is and how it functions, before considering why political decolonization unfolded on a global scale in the decades following World War II.  Using the definition of colonialism developed at the beginning of the module, students then consider the legacies of colonialism in the present day, whether full decolonization has occurred, and what more work can be done. The module culminates in three alternate assessments by which students can explore these topics in their own lives.

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Readings and Primary Sources

Module Lesson Plan:

• Questioning-Decolonization-0.0-Module lesson plan

Lesson 1:

• Questioning-Decolonization-1.1-Reading 1-Introduction
• Questioning-Decolonization-1.2-Reading 2-What was colonialism

Lessons 2 and 3:

• Questioning-Decolonization-2.2-Reading 3-Why did decolonization happen
• Questioning-Decolonization-2.3a-Primary Source-Ho
• Questioning-Decolonization-2.3b-Primary Source-FLN
• Questioning-Decolonization-2.3c-Primary Source-Wright
• Questioning-Decolonization-2.3d-Primary Source-Azikiwe
• Questioning-Decolonization-2.3e-Primary Source-Zhou

Lesson 4:

• Questioning-Decolonization-4.1-Secondary Source Archive-Voices of Postcolonialism
• Questioning-Decolonization-4.2-Reading 4-What was not decolonized