US.I A Textbook's Paradigm PnP

This is the Print and Play version. For the Physical copy please go Here.

The US Paradigm series is a unique timeline card game where each deck within the series offers a distinct perspective from various groups. These perspectives range from the mainstream portrayal found in US High School History Textbooks to the viewpoints of the Working Class People and Indigenous communities. The game provides players with an immersive experience, allowing them to explore history through the lens of different narratives and understand the dynamics shaping the perspectives of these diverse groups.

US.I A Textbook’s Paradigm

challenges the conventional history timeline, offering a journey that goes beyond the stories of elites to explore the rich tapestry of resistance, social justice movements, and the collective actions of ordinary people. In contrast to traditional narratives, it encourages a reexamination of the past, questioning the present, and imagining a future rooted in justice and empathy. This digital narrative, born from the dedication of scholars committed to truth and justice, seamlessly blends entertainment with education. Fueled by passion, it sheds light on the enduring struggle for equality and human rights in the US, with a focus on marginalized communities. Rooted in Critical Theorist's framework, the project serves as a rallying call to explore the multifaceted journey of minority representation, providing an interactive platform to engage with these issues.

Paradigm (In the Context of Textbook's Paradigm):

In the 'Textbooks Paradigm,' a paradigm refers to interconnected beliefs and values shaping how society perceives history. We aim to challenge established paradigms by exploring the evolving landscape of events and historical representation. Players critically examine textbook presentations, questioning highlighted and omitted stories. Each played card represents a piece of this puzzle, empowering players to redefine how we understand history and society based on educational materials. The game prompts the challenge of dominant paradigms for a more inclusive understanding of textbook subjects.

Objective and Rules:

The objective of the game is to be the first player to get rid of all their cards by correctly placing them on the paradigm line. Depending on the number of players, distribute the cards as follows: 2 players get 12 cards each, 3 players get 8 cards each, and 4 players get 6 cards. You can add or remove cards to adjust the game.

Setup:

Shuffle the event cards and deal the appropriate number to each player. Place the remaining deck of cards in the center as a draw pile. Decide who will go first. Take two cards from the draw pile and place them in the center, date side up, to start the paradigm line.

Gameplay:

Phase 1. The active player must play by choosing one of their cards and placing it in the paradigm line where they think it fits chronologically, date side down.

Phase 2. Any adversarial player can call “challenge” at any time after the original player has positioned their card. The challenger’s indicate where they believe the active player event card should be on the line by taking one of their own cards and placing it in an unclaimed event slot, date side down.

Phase 3. The player in action flips their card to show the date. If they get it right, their card stays in the timeline, and the challenger takes a new card. If the active player is wrong, they discard their card and draw a replacement. The challenger can then check if they were right; if so, they add their card to the line. If both players are wrong, the challenger discards their bid card and draws two new cards.

Winner:

The winner is crowned "Paradigm Master." As the Paradigm Master you have conquered history's challenges. Following the tradition of colonialism, you now claim this game as your property, with all rights and ownership transferring to you imediately after placing down your last card. Your triumph echoes the spoils of conquest, celebrating your historical prowess. Enjoy your rewards, Paradigm Master!

Exploring Misplaced Cards (An Invitation to Build an Alternative Historical Timeline):

In 'A Textbook's Paradigm,' each card played offers a chance to highlight marginalized historical perspectives. If a card is misplaced in the timeline, don't discard it. Instead, set it aside to explore lesser-known events and construct an alternative historical timeline. This exercise of historical discovery and recovery enriches our collective understanding, honoring and celebrating often-neglected narratives for a more complete depiction of our shared human experience.

Calling all educators!

If you're passionate about transforming history education, we extend a special invitation to you. Immerse your students in our groundbreaking project by downloading the inaugural prototype, ReVisioning History: Equality for Some, the Card Game. This innovative educational tool is available exclusively on Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT), and it's yours for free HERE. Elevate your teaching experience, engage your students in an interactive exploration of history, and be at the forefront of reshaping how we understand the past. Join us in this educational revolution!