With the advent of the Internet, the number of sources has vastly increased. Although this lesson is about obtaining and analyzing information, it concentrates on one event-the uprising in Chiapas, Mexico's southernmost and poorest state, that began on January 1, 1994. By focusing on a specific event, students can examine perspectives and ideologies lodged within reports about the uprising. We have chosen the Chiapas uprising because it is a milestone in Mexican history and because it was widely chronicled throughout the world from a variety of sources. This lesson asks students to read and analyze a variety of sources on the underlying causes of the uprising.
Students compare and contrast the readings and then formulate their own opinions.
To extend the lesson, students can do research on another topic related to Chiapas, such as recent events, indigenous lands and resources, human rights, or women's organizations.