Interactive project prepares students for AP test
Thinkers from three and a half centuries ago gather at a table, drinking tea and eating scones. Philosophes discuss ways to improve society. They ponder politics, education, law, and human nature.
Fresno Christian’s AP European history class revisits a discussion from the Enlightenment period, Nov. 29. Students brought famous thinkers to life, like Immanuel Kant, who wrote about tolerance, Cesare Beccaria, who argued against capital punishment, Olympe de Gouges, who petitioned for education for women and others.
AP Euro and US history teacher Kori Friesen hosted the relived salon, and played Marie Thérèse Rodet Geoffrin. Friesen says the project helps students learn about their person deeper than a paper alone.
“Coming in character and holding an in-depth conversation is a pretty brave feat for a highschooler,” Friesen said. “Sharing a meal and tea time with the students all embodying their character is my favorite part. Love watching them in their roles!”
The Enlightenment happened during the 18th century throughout France, Switzerland, England and Scotland. Thinkers met in houses, called salons and discussed topics about society. Many ideas in the US Constitution, like the freedom of speech and thought and separation of powers, appeared in the writings of Enlightenment writers.
While the philosophes agreed that applying reason to society would benefit humanity, writers from different backgrounds had different points of view. Students in Friesen’s class studied the beliefs of one historical figure for the salon project. AP Euro student Shauna Howard, ’20, says learning about her character, who was a playwright in France, helped her understand the Age of Reason culture.
“I enjoyed getting to use my knowledge of Olympe to have discussions with other historical figures,” Howard said. “It was fun debating from her point of view and seeing all the other people’s reactions and different responses.”
“My favorite part was dressing up and immersing ourselves into the Enlightenment culture,” Howard continued. “I really liked interacting with everyone else and learning more about the time period.”
AP European history students and teacher Kori Friesen participate in the annual Enlightenment Salon Day, Nov. 28. The class dresses up and becomes a famous figure from the era for the day. In the video below, you can find them having some “enlightened conversation”. #thefeather pic.twitter.com/5uEZdYSvjD
— The Feather Online (@thefeather) November 29, 2018
The AP Euro course focuses on themes behind history, and explores the connections between time periods. Studying Enlightenment thinkers revealed the influences on them and the effect their works had on later years.
Next, Freisen’s class is studying the French Revolution. The AP test covers European history from 1450 to present day.
For more articles, read Student of the month: Riley Goldsborough and Eighth graders complete annual Constitution test
Bryce Foshee can be reached via Twitter @brycer_f and via email.
