US.II A People's Paradigm PnP

This is the Print and Play version. For the physical version 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.II A People’s Paradigm

is an unconventional history journey, uncovering hidden stories and struggles of everyday people, the marginalized, and the oppressed. It challenges power narratives, exploring resistance, social justice movements, and the pursuit of equity. Emphasizing the collective actions of ordinary people, it urges a reexamination of the past and envisions a future rooted in justice. Born from scholars' commitment to truth, this digital narrative blends entertainment with education, shedding light on the enduring struggle for equality in the US. Rooted in Critical Theorist's framework, it serves as a rallying call to explore minority representation, documented by young scholars delving into history's unfiltered truths. The project also serves as an entry point into game construction, engaging individuals in a unique and interactive exploration of important issues.

Paradigm (In the Context of A People's Paradigm):

In 'A People's Paradigm,' a paradigm signifies interconnected beliefs that historically shaped our understanding of history. The game shifts focus to explore marginalized perspectives, encouraging players to challenge established paradigms by introducing alternative narratives and emphasizing overlooked voices. The goal is to construct a historical chronology from underrepresented experiences. Each card in the game represents a piece of this alternative puzzle, highlighting the contributions of ignored individuals and communities. By creating your timeline, you actively explore alternative paradigms, contributing to a more inclusive and authentic representation of shared history, celebrating diverse perspectives.

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 active player 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 People's Paradigm,' each card played is a chance to understand and highlight marginalized historical perspectives. If a card is misplaced, view it as an opportunity rather than discarding it. Set it aside to explore lesser-known events, building an alternative historical timeline that enriches our collective understanding. This exercise of historical discovery delves into the stories, struggles, and achievements of individuals and communities outside the mainstream narrative, contributing to a more complete depiction of our shared human experience. Embrace the opportunity to explore, honor, and celebrate less-understood events.

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!