Human Heritage: A World History

Chapter 27: Rise of Monarchies

Web Activity Lesson Plans

“Joan of Arc”

Introduction
Students have read about the Hundred Years' War and the part that Joan of Arc played in leading French attacks against the English. In this exercise, students will research events in the life of Joan of Arc to discover the motivations of Joan and the French people in the Hundred Years' War.

Lesson Description
Students will use information from the Joan of Arc page at Western New England College's Western Civilization Web site to learn about the events in Joan of Arc's life. Students will read about the history leading up to the Hundred Years' War, the presentation of Joan of Arc to the court of the dauphin, the battles of Joan, her trial, and the response of the French after her death. Students will then answer four questions and apply this information by writing an essay describing the roles patriotism and faith would play in the event that Americans were forced to defend their country.

Instruction Objectives

1. Students will explore the life of Joan of Arc and be able to explain her motivations.
2. Students will be able to use this knowledge to describe the influences of faith and patriotism on today's American soldiers if they were defending their nation.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. The overriding reason that the French princes defected to France was because of their increasing draw to their own nationality. In short, patriotism drew them away.
2. Joan declared that she had been sent by God to take the dauphin to be crowned at Rheims and to drive the English out of France.
3. She was imprisoned for heresy, for what was described as using false enchantments and sorcery.
4. Ten years after her execution, a French court determined that she was innocent.
5. Students' essays will vary.