Language Arts (English)

11-12

Students will analyze legal/moral content in "The Stranger." Students will creative persuasive arguments, supported with textual evidence.

1. Class will be separated into two groups. One group will support the "guilty by reason of insanity" defense of Mersault, the other group will argue the contrary.
2. All students read Handout (insanity).
3. Each student completes 1 page free-write, defending the position of the group they are assigned.
4. The two sections of class are now divided into 3 groups each.
5. Each small group develops one paragraph statement, justifying their position in regards to Mersualt's guilt, supporting it with textual evidence.
6. Each small group selects 1 representative to the legal team that will defend their position in a mock-trial.

Students will work collaboratively & individually.

2 class periods. 1 Hr per class.

Homework/ Follow Up: The following day during a mock-trial, the class will here arguments from the legal teams (each composed of representatives from the small groups). A discussion will follow. The class will then be assigned 1-2 page essay on whether they believe Mersault to be "guilty by reason of insanity" or not, and if/how their opinions changed due to the mock-trial (why/why not?).

Reflection: Students engage in textual analysis, and design persuasive arguments (with evidence). Students prepare for higher level academic writing which will require thesis and textual support. Students also work cooperatively in constructing oral presentations

1. Albert Camus' "The Stranger."
2. Cliffs notes on "The Stranger."

Assessment: Group work will be graded credit/no credit, based on participation. Individual written assignments will be turned in for letter grade.