How free is our speech?

9th Grade ELA

Mr. Leddy’s Webquest

E-Mail: MrLeddyENG@aol.com

 

Introduction

      After reading the novel The Time Machine by H.G. Wells and seeing the movie, Mr. Leddy had an idea. Traveling back in time would be a great way to correct some of the wrongs of the past. So, late one night, Mr. Leddy decided to “borrow” the time machine from the London museum and go after the two men he despised most: General Zaroff, from “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell and Montresor, from “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe. He would bring them to the year 2002 and make them face Compulegal, who, with the help of Mr. Leddy’s ELA 2 students would decide their fates. Did these two men violate Freedom of Speech?

 

Take this survey before you continue: How Free is Your Speech?

Now see the results of the survey: Results

 

Task

      It seems that both General Zaroff and Montresor have in some way violated Freedom of Speech. Before we can make any accusations we will first need to learn more about Freedom of Speech: Click here for a CompuLegal tour of Freedom of Speech

 

Process

Part I:

       The entire class will navigate through Johnson v. Texas, both in class and in the lab

          Each student will review Freedom of Speech: Johnson v. Texas

All students will submit a one page (12 point font only) synopsis of Johnson v. Texas, using Microsoft Word

                   The synopsis must include:

                             1. The facts of the case

                             2. The issue question

                             3. The Supreme Court’s decision

 

PART II: Students will be divided into two groups.

Group A:    Students will review the case of Wisconsin v. Mitchell

          Students will submit a one page (12 point font only) synopsis of Wisconsin v. Mitchell, using Microsoft Word

                   The synopsis must include

                             1. The facts of the case

                             2. The issue question

                             3. The Supreme Court’s decision

 

Group B:    Students will review the case of R.A.V. v. St. Paul

          Students will submit a one page (12 point font only) synopsis of R.A.V. v. St. Paul, using Microsoft Word

                   The synopsis must include

                             1. The facts of the case

                             2. The issue question

                             3. The Supreme Court’s decision

 

PART III:

Group A:              Students will search the text of “The Most Dangerous Game” for any racial comments made by General Zaroff. HINT: It was only done once; it was about the people he hunts.

Students will apply their knowledge of Freedom of Speech from the cases they have studied to General Zaroff’s comments on Ship-trap Island.

Students will submit a one page answer (12 font only) to the following question: Should General Zaroff’s comments be used to increase his punishment or are his comments protected by Freedom of Speech?

          Your one page answer must include:

                   1. The comments made by General Zaroff

2. Specific citations from Wisconsin v. Mitchell to support your answer

Group B:    Students will search the text of “The Cask of Amontillado” for the reason Montresor decides to trap Fortunato behind a wall in the catacombs. HINT: It was right at the beginning.

          Students will apply their knowledge of Freedom of Speech from the cases they have studied to Montresor actions against Fortunato.

          Students will submit a one page answer (12 font only) to the following question:

Did Montresor violate Fortunato’s freedom of speech by sealing him behind a wall of bricks?

          Your one page answer must include:

                   1. The reason Montresor kills Fortunato

2. Specific citations from R.A.V. v. St. Paul to support your answer

                  

PART IV:

          Group A:              Students will prepare four Power Point slides that depict the relationship between Wisconsin v. Mitchell and “The Most Dangerous Game”. The slide show will be an outline of Part III.

 

          Group B:              Students will prepare four Power Point slides that depict the relationship between R.A.V. v. St. Paul and “The Cask of Amontillado”.  The slide show will be an outline of Part III. 

 

Resources

 

The most Dangerous Game (Full text of the story)

The Cask of Amontillado (Full text of the story)

Tinker v, Des Moines

Forsyth County v. the National Movement

Wisconsin v. Mitchell

R.A.V. v. St. Paul

 

Evaluation

Click here for the rubric

 

ELA standards

1. Students will read and write for information and understanding.

2. Students will read and write for literary response and expression.

3. Students will read and write for critical analysis and evaluation.