Tehyi Hsieh

"Action will remove the doubts that theory cannot solve."

                                                                                 by Tehyi Hsieh

Elite Schools

Lesson Plan based on The Power of One

THE POWER OF ONE

The Power of One is an intriguing story of a young English boy named Peekay and his passion for changing the world...

Click here to read more information about the film

Objectives:

• recognizing our power as individuals in creating positive social change.
• understanding that racial injustice still exists.
• describing South African Apartheid including information on its history, how it worked and how resistance from inside and outside of South Africa brought it to an end.
• Carrying out actions outside the classroom to fight against discrimination with minorities and immigrants.

Aim of the activity:

• This lesson will provide the learners with a global look at racial injustice, specifically as it relates to Apartheid in South Africa. 
• Students will also reflect on contemporary forms of discrimination against minorities and immigrants.
• They will also reflect on how an individual associated to other individuals can use their power to effect positive change in society.
• The activities done should encourage students to take actions outside the classroom to act against discrimination.

Duration:

Four one-hour periods.

Materials:

­   Handout 1: Outline of Lecture Material "Apartheid"

Teacher notes on Apartheid

Whiteboard, projector, and/or Power point presentation with projection, etc.

­   The film: "The Power of One"

­   Handout 2: Reflective Essay "The Power of One"

"Power of One" essay assignment

Instructional Procedure(s):

1.      Lead-in. Anticipatory set:

To begin the lesson, ask the learners to share what they know about the concepts of 'social justice' and 'the common good'.

Following the discussion, place the definition of ''social justice' and 'the common good' on the display board for all to see.

Social Justice (n) Justice applied to the framework of social existence; consideration of the requirements of justice applied to the benefits and burdens of a common existence.

The Common Good (n) Involves individual citizens having the commitment and motivation to promote the welfare of the community --even if they must sacrifice their own time, personal preferences or money-- to work together with other members for the greater benefit of all.

Then, on a piece of paper have learners list the names of three individuals--one at the local level, one at the national level, and one at the international level --whose actions in some way helped to overcome social injustice toward individuals or groups and promote the common good. Have the learners share the names of these individuals and their reasons for their selecting them. Have the learners discuss and share why the phrase, "the power on one," might be appropriate in describing these individuals.

Activities:

The Power of One

The Power of One (1992)

The Power of One is an intriguing story of a young English boy named Peekay and his passion for changing the world...

Director: John G. Avildsen

Writers: Bryce Courtenay (novel), Robert Mark Kamen (screenplay)

Stars: Stephen Dorff, Armin Mueller-Stahl and Morgan Freeman

Storyline:

The Power of One is an intriguing story of a young English boy named Peekay and his passion for changing the world. Growing up he suffered as the only English boy in an Afrikaans school. Soon orphaned, he was placed in the care of a German national named Professor von Vollensteen (a.k.a. "Doc"), a friend of his grandfather. Doc develops Peekay's piano talent and Peekay becomes "assistant gardener" in Doc's cactus garden. It is not long after WWII begins that Doc is placed in prison for failure to register with the English government as a foreigner. Peekay makes frequent visits and meets Geel Piet, an inmate, who teaches him to box. Geel Piet spreads the myth of the Rainmaker, the one who brings peace to all of the tribes. Peekay is cast in the light of this myth. After the war Peekay attends an English private school where he continues to box. He meets a young girl, Maria, with whom he falls in love. Her father, Professor Daniel Marais, is a leader of the Nationalist Party of South Africa. The two fight to teach the natives English as Peekay's popularity grows via the myth. Peekay loses focus until he sees the success of his language school among the tribes. He and Guideon Duma continue the work in hopes of building a better future for Africa.

See Movie Trailer:

Click here to read Lesson Plan on the film