
Ottoman Legal System Role-Play: Historical Justice Explored
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How can we use role-play to explore the principles, societal values, and impact of the Ottoman legal system on social hierarchies and justice?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- What were the main principles governing the Ottoman legal system?
- How did the judicial process in the Ottoman Empire reflect its societal values?
- In what ways did the Ottoman legal system impact social hierarchies and justice?
- How did the role of different legal officials in the Ottoman Empire contribute to the judicial process?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will analyze the principles governing the Ottoman legal system and how these principles impacted societal values and justice.
- Students will evaluate the roles of different legal officials in the Ottoman Empire and how these roles contributed to the judicial process.
- Students will assess how the Ottoman legal system affected social hierarchies and contributed to the concept of justice within the society.
- Students will critically engage in role-playing exercises to mimic the Ottoman judicial process, enhancing their understanding of historical legal systems.
Social Studies Standards
History Standards
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsOttoman Law Escape Room
Create an escape room with puzzles based on Ottoman legal principles. Students must work together to solve clues and 'escape' while learning about how legal decisions were made and the role of judges and legal experts in Ottoman society.Mystery of the Missing Manuscript
Introduce a fictional mysterious case where an important legal manuscript from the Ottoman Era has disappeared. Students must investigate the disappearance using clues related to the Ottoman legal system, engaging them in detective work while learning about historical legal practices.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Ottoman Roles and Responsibilities Exploration
Students will research and present about the various roles within the Ottoman legal system, such as judges, scribes, and legal experts (muftis). This foundation will help them understand the different positions before role-playing.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA detailed profile presentation on a specific role from the Ottoman legal system, shared with the class.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with HS-LS1-1 by analyzing individual roles and their impact on justice and societal structures.Ottoman Case Study Analysis
Students will examine a real historical case from the Ottoman Empire, focusing on the legal principles applied and the outcomes. This will set the stage for their role-playing by giving them actual examples to reference.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA comprehensive report on a historical Ottoman legal case, detailing the application of legal principles and roles.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsSupports HS-LS1-1 by providing insight into group actions within the legal system and how they influenced societal structures.Role-Play Rehearsal Workshop
Students will rehearse their roles from the past activities by engaging in a mock trial or judicial meeting. They will apply their knowledge from previous research and analyses to enact a realistic Ottoman legal process.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA rehearsed mock trial, demonstrating student understanding of the Ottoman legal process through role-play.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsAligns with HS-LS1-2 by helping evaluate historical systems and their significance in shaping governance.Ottoman Legal System Role-Plays
Students will carry out a full role-play of an Ottoman judicial proceeding, incorporating all their research, analysis, and preparations from previous activities to showcase their understanding of the Ottoman legal system.Steps
Here is some basic scaffolding to help students complete the activity.Final Product
What students will submit as the final product of the activityA complete role-play of an Ottoman judicial proceeding with reflective write-ups from students.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsMeets HS-LS1-1 and HS-LS1-2 by allowing students to critically engage with historical legal processes and their broader implications.Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioOttoman Legal System Role-Play Rubric
Understanding of Legal Principles
Evaluates students' comprehension of the Ottoman legal system and its societal values.Knowledge of Legal Roles
Accuracy and depth of understanding regarding various legal roles in the Ottoman Empire.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates comprehensive and nuanced understanding of all legal roles and their significance in the Ottoman system.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates thorough understanding of most legal roles and their significance in the Ottoman system.
Developing
2 PointsShows basic understanding with some inaccuracies or gaps in knowledge regarding legal roles.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify and explain legal roles with many inaccuracies.
Application of Legal Principles
Ability to apply Ottoman legal principles in analysis and role-play activities.
Exemplary
4 PointsApplies legal principles with sophistication and creativity across activities.
Proficient
3 PointsConsistently applies legal principles accurately in analyses and role-plays.
Developing
2 PointsApplies legal principles inconsistently or with minor inaccuracies.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to apply legal principles accurately.
Research and Analysis Skills
Assesses the depth of student research and analytical capability in historical context.Depth of Research
Extent and accuracy of research conducted on assigned legal roles and historical cases.
Exemplary
4 PointsConducts thorough research using diverse and relevant sources, providing detailed insights.
Proficient
3 PointsConducts adequate research using relevant sources, with accurate insights.
Developing
2 PointsResearch is limited in scope or reliance on less relevant sources.
Beginning
1 PointsResearch is minimal or largely inaccurate.
Analytical Understanding
Quality of analysis when assessing the impact of the legal system on justice and social structures.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides insightful analysis with clear connections to societal impact and modern implications.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides accurate analysis with some connections to societal impact.
Developing
2 PointsProvides basic analysis with limited connections or depth.
Beginning
1 PointsAnalysis is superficial with limited understanding of impacts.
Role-Play Execution and Reflection
Evaluates the quality of student role-play execution and reflective insights.Role-Play Performance
Effectiveness in performing assigned roles during the judicial role-play.
Exemplary
4 PointsDelivers an authentic and engaging performance with excellent adherence to historical context.
Proficient
3 PointsDelivers a consistent performance with attention to historical context.
Developing
2 PointsPerformance is uneven with some attention to historical context.
Beginning
1 PointsPerformance lacks consistency and historical accuracy.
Reflective Insights
Quality of reflection regarding learning experiences and societal implications.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides deep reflective insights with strong connections to learning and societal implications.
Proficient
3 PointsProvides clear reflective insights with relevant connections.
Developing
2 PointsProvides superficial reflections with few connections.
Beginning
1 PointsReflections are minimal with limited insight.