Big Stories, Little India

 

Introduction: Big Stories, Little India teaches students about the history and people of the South Asian community of Little India, which sits in east Toronto. The project is also meant to show that neighborhoods, like people themselves, mature, adapt and change. Neighborhoods evolve, often spurred by outside influences. This also applies to the secondary subject of pop culture maturing, as shaped by foreign ideas, traditions and movements. In this world, change is the rule.

Overview: Students will begin by studying a history of Little India in Toronto, and go on to examine other neighbourhoods in the city. The will also explore the relationship between tradition, ritual and culture, discussing personal family histories.

Purpose: To highlight civic histories and personal histories, through research, discussions and images.

Subjects: Media Studies, Geography, History, Political Science, Art History

Grades: 9-12

Time Required: 375 minutes

 

Download: lessonplan-bsli.pdf (200kb) | appendices-bsli.zip (14mb)