To Kill a Mockingbird: Justice, Prejudice, and Empathy
Inquiry Framework
Question Framework
Driving Question
The overarching question that guides the entire project.How does Harper Lee's 'To Kill a Mockingbird' use setting, symbolism, and narrative perspective to explore the themes of education, femininity, growing up, and prejudice?Essential Questions
Supporting questions that break down major concepts.- How does the setting of the novel influence the events and characters in To Kill a Mockingbird?
- What is the significance of the title 'To Kill a Mockingbird'?
- How does the novel explore themes?
- In what ways do the characters in To Kill a Mockingbird challenge or reinforce societal norms?
- How does Harper Lee use narrative perspective to shape the reader's understanding of the story?
Standards & Learning Goals
Learning Goals
By the end of this project, students will be able to:- Students will analyze how setting, symbolism, and narrative perspective contribute to the themes in To Kill a Mockingbird.
- Students will evaluate how characters in To Kill a Mockingbird challenge or reinforce societal norms.
- Students will interpret the significance of the title To Kill a Mockingbird in relation to the novel's themes.
- Students will assess how Harper Lee's narrative choices shape the reader's understanding of the story and its themes.
- Students will develop critical thinking skills by examining complex social issues presented in the novel.
Ohio
Entry Events
Events that will be used to introduce the project to studentsMock Trial Simulation
Students participate in a mock trial based on a pivotal scene from "To Kill a Mockingbird." Roles are assigned (lawyers, witnesses, jury), and students prepare arguments and evidence. This entry event sparks debate around justice, prejudice, and perspective, mirroring the novel's core themes.Modern-Day Mockingbird
Students research and present a contemporary case of injustice or prejudice, drawing parallels to the themes in "To Kill a Mockingbird." This promotes critical thinking about how prejudice persists in society. Students examine social issues and apply the novel's lessons to the modern world.Portfolio Activities
Portfolio Activities
These activities progressively build towards your learning goals, with each submission contributing to the student's final portfolio.Setting the Stage: Maycomb's World
Students explore the setting of Maycomb, Alabama, and analyze its impact on the events and characters in 'To Kill a Mockingbird.' This activity establishes a foundational understanding of how setting shapes the narrative.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 written analysis or visual presentation (e.g., a map with annotations) that illustrates the key locations in Maycomb and explains their significance to the novel's plot and themes.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsRL.9-10.10 (building background knowledge); L.9-10.3 (understanding language in context)Through Whose Eyes? Narrative Perspective
Students analyze Harper Lee's use of first-person narrative through the eyes of Scout Finch. This activity explores how point of view shapes the reader's understanding of the story.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 comparative analysis of Scout's narrative perspective and a short narrative written from an alternative point of view, demonstrating an understanding of how narrative choices shape the story.Alignment
How this activity aligns with the learning objectives & standardsRL.9-10.10 (analyzing complex text); L.9-10.3 (making effective choices for meaning or style)Rubric & Reflection
Portfolio Rubric
Grading criteria for assessing the overall project portfolioAnalyzing Setting and Narrative Perspective in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'
Understanding of Setting
This category assesses the student's comprehension of the setting of Maycomb, Alabama, and its influence on the novel's plot, characters, and themes.Historical and Social Context
Demonstrates understanding of the historical and social context of Maycomb, Alabama during the 1930s.
Exemplary
4 PointsDemonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the historical and social context, providing detailed insights into the impact of segregation, the Great Depression, and rural life on Maycomb and its inhabitants.
Proficient
3 PointsDemonstrates a thorough understanding of the historical and social context, accurately describing the key aspects of segregation, the Great Depression, and rural life in 1930s Alabama.
Developing
2 PointsShows an emerging understanding of the historical and social context, identifying some aspects of segregation, the Great Depression, or rural life but with limited detail.
Beginning
1 PointsShows a minimal understanding of the historical and social context, struggling to identify relevant aspects of 1930s Alabama or their impact on the novel.
Significance of Locations
Identifies and explains the physical characteristics and social significance of key locations within Maycomb.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides an insightful analysis of the physical characteristics and social significance of multiple key locations in Maycomb, demonstrating a deep understanding of their symbolic importance.
Proficient
3 PointsAccurately identifies and explains the physical characteristics and social significance of key locations in Maycomb, connecting them to the novel's plot and themes.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some key locations in Maycomb and describes their physical characteristics or social significance, but with limited detail or connection to the novel's themes.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify key locations in Maycomb or to explain their physical characteristics or social significance.
Influence on Characters
Analyzes how the setting influences the attitudes, behaviors, and interactions of the characters in the novel.
Exemplary
4 PointsOffers a nuanced and insightful analysis of how the setting shapes the attitudes, behaviors, and interactions of various characters, providing specific textual evidence to support claims.
Proficient
3 PointsClearly analyzes how the setting influences the attitudes, behaviors, and interactions of the characters in the novel, providing relevant examples from the text.
Developing
2 PointsShows an emerging understanding of how the setting might influence the characters, but provides limited analysis or textual support.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to connect the setting to the attitudes, behaviors, or interactions of the characters in the novel.
Analysis of Narrative Perspective
This category assesses the student's ability to analyze how Harper Lee's use of first-person narrative shapes the reader's understanding of the story.Influence of Scout's Perspective
Identifies and explains instances where Scout's perspective influences the way events and characters are portrayed.
Exemplary
4 PointsProvides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of how Scout's perspective shapes the portrayal of events and characters, demonstrating a deep understanding of narrative bias.
Proficient
3 PointsClearly identifies and explains multiple instances where Scout's perspective influences the portrayal of events and characters.
Developing
2 PointsIdentifies some instances where Scout's perspective might influence the portrayal of events or characters, but with limited explanation.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to identify how Scout's perspective influences the portrayal of events or characters.
Alternative Perspectives
Considers how the story might be different if told from the perspective of another character.
Exemplary
4 PointsOffers a compelling and well-reasoned analysis of how the story would be different if told from another character's perspective, considering multiple characters and providing specific examples.
Proficient
3 PointsThoughtfully considers how the story might be different if told from another character's perspective, providing a clear and logical explanation.
Developing
2 PointsSuggests how the story might be different if told from another character's perspective, but with limited detail or justification.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to consider how the story might be different if told from another character's perspective.
Narrative Writing
Writes a short narrative from the perspective of a different character, focusing on a key event from the novel.
Exemplary
4 PointsWrites a compelling and well-developed narrative from the perspective of another character, capturing their voice and perspective effectively and providing new insights into a key event.
Proficient
3 PointsWrites a clear and coherent narrative from the perspective of another character, focusing on a key event and demonstrating an understanding of their point of view.
Developing
2 PointsWrites a narrative from the perspective of another character, but with limited development or attention to their unique voice and perspective.
Beginning
1 PointsStruggles to write a narrative from the perspective of another character, lacking clarity or coherence.