Provide "acknowledged body of knowledge" related to the concept. Emphasize the most significant aspects of the concept in an organized, organic manner. Present information sequentially so students see continuity. Draw attention to important, discrete details; don't swamp students with myriad facts.

Lecture Video

Objective: Students will be able to define absolutism and discuss examples of leaders who have wielded absolute power.

Activity: Introduce your lecture over absolutism and absolute monarchs by engaging students in a brief discussion of the sources and uses of governmental power in a democratic government versus a dictatorship. Then define absolutism and discuss the reigns of Peter the Great of Russia and Louis XIV of France. Make sure to describe the sources of their power, the areas of support and defiance for each, their use and abuse of power, and the effect of their reign on the common people.

Assessment: Informed. Your students should feel that they have complete understanding of absolutism.