WEBQUEST ASSIGNMENT #1

Kevin Thompson – Morris High School

FREEDOM OF SPEECH – WHAT IS IT ALL ABOUT?

It seems that almost daily we are bombarded by images on the news of anti-American protest over our present foreign policy regarding the situation in Iraq. News broadcasts show people in countries from all over the world protesting against the U.S.A. and burning American flags. Despite support from many nations in our global community it is still difficult to see people burning the American flag. But this is not the first time that we have seen the American flag being burned.

Did you know that a debate over the right to burn the American flag in protest has been ongoing within the U.S. for decades?

TASK: Working as a newspaper reporter you will write an editorial response to an actual case that asks; What is true freedom of speech?

Working with a partner you will complete an analysis of this issue using the http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/scales/texas.htm website.

PROCESS:

STEP ONE – First, drawing on your knowledge and notes from in-class discussion, complete a graphic organizer presenting both sides of the argument over the right to burn the American flag. The organizer should be completed in your notes and should present at least four points for each side of the argument.

Consider the following:

· Why would an individual feel that it is appropriate to burn the American flag?

· Should there be limits on what activities are acceptable for a public protest?

· Does the flag itself require protection under the law?

STEP TWO – Proceed to the http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/scales/texas.htm website where you will find the index of the case. Read through The Facts of The Case and The Visual.

STEP THREE – Return to your organizer in your notes and see if you can add-on or change any of the points you recorded initially.

STEP FOUR – You and your partner are to assume the roles of courtroom reporters. One reporter agrees with the Defense and one reporter agrees with the Prosecution. Each of you will write a news report (minimum 300 words) covering the case that will be published in a national newspaper.

In order to complete your report you must do some further research. You must examine some of the precedents, the facts, and refer to the final decision using the U.S. Constitution. You can find all of this information at http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/scales/texasreas.html.

You can also find further information at:

http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/tips/fos/

http://www.findlaw.com

What’s The Point?

Upon completion of this assignment you will have a more accurate understanding of the controversial debate over freedom of speech that has been raging in this country for decades.

DUE DATE:

A rough draft of your article is due on ________

A final draft will be due on ________

EVALUATION:

An “A” paper meets all of the criteria mentioned above, and it is superior and/or exceptionally engaging. In addition the paper may draw upon any number of factors: maturity of style, effectiveness of argument, use of literary and/or rhetorical devices, depth of discussion, sophistication of wit or quality of imagination.

A “B” paper is clearly adequate. The prose is able to convey the writer’s ideas, but without flair or strong control. Diction and syntax are usually appropriate, but lack variety. The reader has a clear sense of the writer’s purpose, but is not engaged by the prose.

A “C” paper is barely adequate. The paper features underdeveloped paragraphs. Transition may be weak or absent. Although the reader may be aware of some purpose, errors impede the fluency of the paper.

An unacceptable paper or a “U” paper is compromised by its brevity and it deficiency of composition, content, diction, syntax, structure, voice and conventions of language as to render its meaning/purpose almost unintelligible.

Standards:

Social Studies, Standard 5:1, 5:3, 5:4 http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/socst/socstands/socstand.html

English Language Arts, Standard 1

http://www.emsc.nysed.gov/ciai/ela/elastandards/elamap.html