Procedures

• Step 1:

  As a class, view the following video clip and then discuss the questions below.

  Video Clip: Jane Addams and John Dewey (4:15)

  Handout: Jane Addams and John Dewey (Google Doc)

  Professor Judy Whipps talks about the conditions in Chicago during the 1890s, the impact it had on Jane Adams and the philosophy and activism of Jane Addams and John Dewey.

  1. What was Hull House?

  2. Describe the living conditions in Chicago during the 1890s.

  3. Explain the idea of Social Darwinism.

  4. Describe the optimism that began to emerge during this time.

• Step 2:

  Have students view the following videos individually or as a jigsaw activity, take notes in the related sections on the handout and respond to the accompanying questions. Discuss students' responses to the questions as a whole class or have one student from each group share their team's answers.

  Video Clip: Jane Addams and John Dewey: Democracy and Social Reform (7:50)

  Professor Judy Whipps talks about Jane Addams' and John Dewey's ideas on democracy as well as their contributions to industrial and social reform.

  1. Who was John Dewey?

  2. Describe Jane Addams' contributions to industrial reform.

  3. How was Addams perceived among the public as well as in the eyes of the media and politicians?

  4. Describe Addams' and Dewey's commitment to social reform.

  5. Explain the significance and meaning of democracy to Addams and Dewey.

  6. According to Judy Whipps, how did Jane Addams perceive the early colonial leaders' idea of democracy? How does this compare with her thoughts on democracy?

  7. Explain Addams' opinion on capitalism as it relates to democracy.

• Video Clip: Jane Addams and John Dewey: Education (5:28)

  Judy Whipps discusses Jane Addams' and John Dewey's education philosophy and their contributions to education.

  1. What were Jane Addams' and John Dewey's perspectives on education and democracy?

  2. Describe the state of education during this time.

  3. How did Joseph Mayer Rice present the condition of schools in his articles?

  4. Explain John Dewey's philosophy and contributions to education.

  5. Explain Jane Addams' philosophy and contributions to education.

• Step 3:

  View the following video clip as a class and discuss the legacy of the reforms that Jane Addams and John Dewey contributed to society as well as their relevance today.

  Video Clip: Jane Addams and John Dewey: Education and Social Reform (1:08)

  Judy Whipps discusses the impact of Jane Adams and John Dewey on the Progressive Era.

• Step 4:

  Culminating Activity:

  • Conduct a Socratic Seminar with your students focusing on the relationship between education and democracy and communities. At the conclusion of the discussion, students can write a personal reflection on how they view this relationship in their community.

  • Students can select a social issue for which they would want to advocate for change. They can explain their reasoning and map out an action plan. They may consider creating a Public Service Announcement persuading the public to agree with their position or write a letter to their members of Congress to suggest actions on this issue.