As part of a study of civil disobedience, class members read excerpts from the writings of activists who were willing to break the law to protest unjust laws.

Concepts

supporting evidence, argumentative writing, persuasive arguments, civil disobedience, henry david thoreau, martin luther king jr., mahatma gandhi

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

social studies

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Have groups research or provide background information about the Catonsville Nine, including Daniel and Philip Berrigan and Thomas Lewis
• Add a fifth column to the wall chart about possible consequences

Classroom Considerations

• Requires individual copies of the four primary source materials
• Ensure class members understand the difference between lawful protest and civil disobedience
• Class members should be familiar with the acts of civil disobedience of Thoreau, Gandhi, King, and the Catonsville Nine

Pros

• The writing activity requires learners to synthesize what they have learned through the activities and discussions

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.1.a SL.11-12.1.a