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Witnesses to Joan of Arc and The Hundred Years' War
(9-12)

(Go to full Lesson Plan) Arrow link to Lesson Plan

Joan of Arc is one of France's most famous historical figures, and has been mythologized in popular lore, literature, and film. She is also an exceptionally well-documented historical figure. Available online through EDSITEment resources and links are transcripts of two of her trials and other archival records including letters Joan dictated. Through such firsthand accounts students can trace Joan's history from childhood, through her death, and on to her nullification trial.

Subject Areas
History and Social Studies
World History - Europe

Time Required
3 class sessions

Skills
Analyzing primary sources
Making inferences and drawing conclusions

Guiding Question:
How do firsthand accounts reflect on Joan of Arc's role in the Hundred Years' War and her posthumous rehabilitation?

Learning Objectives:
Students completing this lesson should be able to:

  • Use the key events of the Hundred Years' War in France as the context for a discussion of Joan of Arc.
  • Use evidence from firsthand accounts to delve into Joan of Arc's life and the historical milieu in which she lived.

Student Materials

Student LaunchPad, Group One

Student LaunchPad, Group Two

Web Links

Standards

NCSS-3
People, places, and environments.

NCSS-5
Individuals, groups, and institutions.

NCSS-6
Power, authority, and governance.

NCTE/IRA-1
Students read a wide range of print and nonprint texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world.

NCTE/IRA-2
Students read a wide range of literature from many periods in many genres.