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11-12
Preventing Separation Through Bilingualism
Project type: Assignment
Related topic:
The Road to Bilingualism
The Road to Bilingualism
Subjects
History
Social Studies
Political Science
Social Studies
Political Science
Summary
Students will explore the early Quebec separatist movement and how it influenced government policy.
Duration
1 to 2 lessons
Purpose
To explore the impact of the Quebec separatist movement on Canadian politics in the 1960s
PDF
Before Exploring
Lead a class discussion on Quebec separatism. Ask: Why is there a movement to separate from Canada? What would separation mean to Canada? Do you think two cultures and languages can live together and both grow and flourish?
Outline the Opportunity
On the topic The Road to Bilingualism on the CBC Radio and Television Archives Web site, have students study Clips #1, 5, and 6, and the Additional Clips “Laurendeau discusses separatism, 1961,” “B & B a good idea: Tommy Douglas, Jean Lesage,” and “Laurendeau memoirs reveal he doubted bilingualism.”
Students will use their research to write an opinion paper about the probable effectiveness of the B & B Commission in forestalling a separatist movement in Quebec. Students should include a short summary to present to the class.
Revisit and Reflect
Prepare a T-chart on the board or chart paper. Title the chart “Bilingualism and Biculturalism Commission: Preventing Separation,” and title the columns “Effective” and “Ineffective.” Have students share their summaries with the class, and identify their positions on the T-chart. As a class, analyze the results of the chart.
Extension
Students can discuss with a partner their willingness to learn the other official language. What advantages might they gain with that skill? How might their bilingualism work toward a more united Canada? Together, pairs can prepare a poster, an advertisement, or an outline for a media campaign supporting bilingualism.
