Authoritarianism Lesson Plans for Secondary School Educators/Undergraduate Education

Castner, Daniel J., Jennifer L. Schneider, and James G. Henderson. Anti-Authoritarian Curriculum Practice: Powerful Theories for Teachers. New York: Routledge, 2024.

https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/antiauthoritarian-curriculum-practice-9781538193983/

• AI Summary: Anti-Authoritarian Curriculum Practice: Powerful Theories for Teachers challenges traditional, top-down approaches to education by providing a framework for teachers to critically and creatively engage with curriculum. The book aims to empower educators to resist authoritarian and bureaucratic influences, fostering practices that are responsive to their local contexts rather than standardized directives. Ultimately, it advocates for a more empowering and less controlled educational environment for both teachers and students. Online resources available. 

Lindauer, Sarah. Authoritarian Governments on the Rise: Could it Happen Here? Pulitzer Center, 2022.

https://pulitzercenter.org/sites/default/files/202208/Final%20Unit%20Plan_%20Authoritarian%20Governments%20on%20the%20Rise_%20Could%20it%20Happen%20Here_.pdf

• AI Summary: This unit helps students compare authoritarian and democratic governments through case studies from Eastern Europe. It culminates in a creative propaganda poster project that reflects students’ understanding of leadership, propaganda, and civic rights.

Ruiz, Eva. Rise of Dictators: Tolerance. California Educators Together, 2023. 

https://www.caeducatorstogether.org/lesson-plans/giqzwzmj/rise-of-dictators-tolerance.

• AI Summary: Designed for 10th grade history and social science, this lesson explores the roles of bystanders, oppressors, and victims during the rise of totalitarian regimes. Students analyze historical biographies and participate in empathy-building activities to deepen their understanding of social justice themes.

Ruiz, Eva. Rise of Dictators: Pyramid of Hate. California Educators Together, 2023. 

https://www.caeducatorstogether.org/lesson-plans/dm39wb2b/rise-of-dictators-pyramid-of-hate.

• AI Summary: This lesson introduces students to the Pyramid of Hate framework to examine how bias escalates into systemic violence. Through primary sources and argumentative writing, students identify stages of genocide and reflect on strategies for prevention.

Manzanetti, Evan. Disillusionment of Totalitarianism. California Educators Together, 2025. 

https://www.caeducatorstogether.org/lesson-plans/yusbtucs/disillusionment-to-totalitarianism-lesson-1-of-3-disillusionment.

• AI Summary: Students analyze post-WWI art and literature to understand the concept of disillusionment and its connection to the rise of totalitarian regimes. The lesson emphasizes visual interpretation and critical reflection on historical trauma and political transformation.

Facing History & Ourselves. Citizen Power Makes Democracy Work. Facing History, 2017. 

https://www.facinghistory.org/resource-library/citizen-power-makes-democracy-work.

• AI Summary: This lesson uses Eric Liu’s work to explore the relationship between citizenship, power, and responsibility in a democracy. Students engage with audio and video resources to reflect on how protest can lead to lasting change.

Kamin, Leo. Hungary’s Viktor Orbán and the Global Wave of Democratic Backsliding. PBS  NewsHour Classroom, 2022. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/classroom/lesson-plans/2023/03/lesson-plan-hungarys-viktor-orban-and-the-global-wave-of-democratic-backsliding.

• AI Summary: Students examine democratic erosion through the lens of Viktor Orbán’s leadership in Hungary. The lesson encourages critical thinking about global authoritarian trends and their implications for U.S. democracy.

Nyon, Alex. What is Modern Authoritarianism? Kettering Foundation, 2025. 

https://kettering.org/the-new-authoritarianism-this-isnt-single-party-rule-but-its-not-democracy-either.

• AI Summary: This resource outlines the concept of competitive authoritarianism, where democratic institutions exist but are undermined by incumbent abuse of power. It helps students identify modern threats to democracy and analyze how civil society can respond.

Nyon, Alex. What is Fascism? World Population Review, 2025.

https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/fascist-countries.

• AI Summary: This lesson defines fascism through historical examples and ideological traits such as ultranationalism and authoritarianism. Students explore how fascist movements have evolved and how their characteristics may appear in contemporary politics.