Social Studies Webquest Assignment

FREEDOM OF SPEECH

DR. J. FLORES

Christopher Columbus High School

United States History & Government 1

INTRODUCTION:

As a student at Christopher Columbus High School you are told by the school administration “NOT TO EXPRESS YOURSELF IN SCHOOL” because you might upset other students or members of school faculty. You are told by the school administration not to use profanity in school. Do you feel your right to free speech has been violated? During World War I, the United States Congress passed the Espionage Act of 1917. This law made it illegal to encourage insubordination in the armed forces or to u se the mails to distribute materials urging resistance to the government. Mr. Charles Schenck, general secretary of the Socialist Party in the United States was an outspoken critic of Americas'’ role in the war. Mr. Schenck printed and mailed about 15,000 leaflets to men eligible for the draft. The leaflets denounced the drafts as involuntary servitude (slavery), a violation of the Thirteenth Amendment. The pamphlets also argued that participation in the best interest of the American people. Mr. Schenck was arrested and convicted of violating the espionage Act of 1917. At his trial, Schenck claimed his First Amendment right to free Speech had been violated. As a social studies researcher , you will be looking into this issue.

TASK:

Your task will be to determine if Mr. Charles Schenck’s right of free speech has been violated in our twenty-first century and is the Supreme Court decision constitutional or unconstitutional for our national security against terrorism. Your will research court cases on freedom of speech and act as part of either Mr. Schenck’s defense team or as the prosecution. Briefly do a written report that will be presented to the class on Mr. Charles Schenck.

PROCESS:

You will be divided into two groups, (Group A or Group B). Each group will:

· First complete an analysis of Schenck v. United States (1919), from the Project Legal case library.

Schenck v. United States

· Use the CompuLegal method, complete a similar analysis of court cases of Tinker v. Des Moines School District (1969) and New York Times Co. V. United States.

Tinker v. Des Moines

· Either be part of the defense team or the prosecuting team.

· Research the issue of Freedom of Speech.

· Use the role plays, cartoons, and Websites that will be implemented in your research.

· Select a “defense” team and “prosecutor” team that will join to become one defense and one prosecuting team and pool all information gathered together.

· Each team will prepare their case “for or “against” Mr. Charles Schenck.

· Group A and Group B will select the “attorneys” who will present their case to the judge (Dr.Flores).

RESOURCES:

http://www.findlaw.com

http://www.annenbergcivics.org

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

http://supt.law.cornell.edu./supct/

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

http://www.maxwell.syr.edu/plegal/scales/schenckvis.html

http://www.leesummit.k12.mo.us/ITS/Social-studies.httm

EVALUATION:

Students will be evaluated using the following rubric:

Grade of A

· Shows thorough understanding of the topic

· Addresses all aspects of the task

· Shows ability to analyze, evaluate, compare/contrast issues

· Richly support topic with relevant facts, examples, and details

· Presents a strong and well organized “case”

Grade of B

· Shows a good understanding of the topic

· Addresses all aspects of the task

· Shows ability to analyze, evaluate issues

· Includes relevant facts, examples and details, but not support all aspects of the “case”

· Presents an organized “case”

Grade of C

· Presents satisfactory understanding of the topic

· Addresses most aspects of the task

· Able to analyze issues and events, but not in depth

· Uses some relevant facts, examples and details

· Presents “case”, but not very organized

Grade of D

· Shows little understanding of topic

· Attempts to address topic, but uses vague and /or inaccurate information

· Uses little facts, examples, or details

· Cannot present an acceptable “case”

NEW YORK CITY AND STATE STANDARDS:

City Standards for English Language Arts

E1c-Read and comprehend informational material.

E2a-Produce a report of information.

E3a-Participate in one-to-one conferences with teacher.

E3b-Participate in group meetings.

E3c-Prepare and deliver and individual presentation.

E3e-Listen to and analyze a public speaking performance.

E4-Conventions, Grammar, and Usage of the English Language.

E6-Public Documents.

State Standards for Social Studies

Standard 5: Civics, Citizenship, and Government.

CONCLUSION:

The Webquest that you have learned about your freedom of speech should be of great value to you and to your family. Is freedom of speech extended to those who are not citizens of the United States? If not, what should be done with those who speak against the United States?

You should continue with your research and decide for yourself.