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Murals in Southern Arizona

Photograph of "Greetings from Tucson" mural

Highsmith, Carol M, photographer. The "Tucson Greeting Card" mural in Tucson, Arizona. Arizona United States Tucson, 2018. Photograph.

Overview

This active learning-based session was developed for undergraduate students in PAH 420. It introduces students to Special Collections and primary sources related to murals in southern Arizona. Through document analysis, students practice critical thinking and work individually and then collaboratively to analyze components of mural art and its significance. This exercise is facilitated by the archivist, who guides students with contextual questions about the content, intended audience, purpose, and author of the materials.

Learning Objectives

  • Students will assess and analyze primary and secondary sources to identify and interpret mural art.
  • Students will be exposed to textual and visual primary source materials.
  • Students will collaborate with their peers in analysis of primary sources.
  • Students will develop skills to critically examine, interpret and evaluate historical evidence.

About this Lesson Plan

Discipline(s)

Public and Applied Humanities

Time Needed

1 class period of 2 hours and 50 minutes

Original Course

PAH 420: Innovation and the Human Condition: Learning to Improve Life in the Community and Beyond

Lesson Plan Created By

Dr. Jacqueline Barrios, Public & Applied Humanities, and Lisa Duncan, University of Arizona Libraries Special Collections