The Center for Campus History developed these teaching guides to provide educators with resources about historical moments of discrimination and resistance at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Almost all of the primary sources in these teaching guides come from archival research conducted by historians working at the CCH. We encourage educators to modify and adapt these guides and sources to best fit the needs of their particular lesson plans, students, and classrooms. Instructors can also find these materials on Canvas.
Each teaching guide includes:
- Recommended primary sources with a description of each source.
- Recommended secondary readings to help students contextualize the primary sources.
- Additional primary sources with descriptions and secondary readings.
- Discussion questions for all recommended primary and secondary sources and secondary sources.
- Suggestions for a Socratic seminar discussion norms.
- Citations for all the primary sources.
Learning Materials
Asian-American Students at UW–Madison
Asian-American advocacy, experiences of discrimination, and efforts to integrate into the UW community.
Black Student Strike and Black Power Movement on Campus
Rise of student protest movements in the 1960s–70s and their goals, strategies, challenges, and impact.
Discrimination and Resistance in Athletics at UW–Madison
Discrimination faced by Black athletes and coaches, gender inequities in athletics, and the impact of Title IX on sports and academics.
History of Disability at UW–Madison
Challenges faced by individuals with disabilities at the UW, advocacy for accessibility, and the impact of policies and reforms on campus inclusion. This teaching guide was made in conjunction with the 2024 Go Big Read Book, Sitting Pretty: The View from My Ordinary Resilient Disabled Body
Hmong in Wisconsin
Hmong experiences in the Midwest, impact of Cold War-era resettlement, and discrimination faced in Wisconsin and on campus.
How the Word Is Passed Teaching Guide
Impact and consequences of ignoring slavery and discrimination and its shaping of the development of the U.S.
Jewish Student Experience at UW–Madison
Discrimination against Jewish students on campus, advocacy through organizations and clubs, and diverse Jewish experiences throughout the UW’s history.
Minstrelsy and Blackface at UW–Madison
Impact of minstrelsy and Blackface on campus in the early 20th century, its connections to student organizations and Greek life, and how these practices have continued.
Native Americans at UW–Madison
Presence and appropriation of Native American history and culture, advocacy of Native American students and groups, and connections between Native history and university development.
Nonviolent Protests at UW–Madison
Use of nonviolent protests, university and police responses and outcomes to demonstrations, and connections to broader 20th century movements.
Police and Policing at UW–Madison
Origins of the UW Police Department, interactions and tensions between police and campus community, and growing distrust that led to calls for reform.
Sifting & Reckoning Online Exhibit Teaching Guide
Exhibit website and lesson plan materials that examine historical campus discrimination, exclusion, resistance movements, and institutional changes.
The Eugenics Movement and UW–Madison
Key figures and objectives of the eugenics movement on campus, racist and ableist assumptions underlying it, and connections to broader trends in late 19th and early 20th century.
The “Gay Purge” at UW–Madison
The UW’s disciplinary approach to students suspected of homosexual activity, role of psychology in university decision-making, and trauma experienced by accused students attempting to regain admission.
Women at UW–Madison
Challenges women faced in higher education during the 20th century, women’s studies departments in the history of feminism, and impact of gender discrimination on tenure.