This unit is divided into three lessons. I have chosen to develop, only Lesson two, as a part of this unit. Lessons one and three have been partially developed through ideas for activities and as a reading outline for the contents of the unit. The lesson ideas follow:
Lesson 1: Reading and Video Drama is designed so that students are introduced to the reading, have some opportunity to examine their feelings about capital punishment, share information and feelings about current capital cases, with which they are likely familiar and experience what it might be like to issue or receive the death penalty sentence or the punishment through role play.
Readings:
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Position Statement (preface to unit)
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Introduction
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Taking Issue
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A Look at Capital Punishment
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Lesson 2: Research and Debate invites students to take a moral position on the issue of the death penalty. Ideas for writing, research, drama and debate, as well as steps for preparing to debate have been outlined in the lessons and activity segment of the unit.
Readings:
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A Look Back
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Cruel and Unusual Punishment
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From Concept to Law
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Interpreting the Clause
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Little known Facts
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Lesson 3: Scenario Writing allows students a chance to work through the problem solving process in order to create new laws in a society that has abolished capital punishment. Their future scenarios will incorporate the new laws.
Readings,
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The Furman Decision
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The McClesky Decision
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Conclusion
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Background Reading and Scenario Information
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You can help students think about their own futures by engaging them in discussion of questions like: What are your ideas about making the future a better place for all people? In what ways might you motivate people to strive for equality in a new society? What laws should be modified, abolished or kept in place?