[Introduction] [Task] [Process] [Resources] [Evaluation] [Webmaster's Note]
You're in the city of Chicago sometime in the future. Dr. Everett Righteous, leader of The Majority for Musical Morality (MMM) has acquired his own cable network and has become very influential in American politics. Speaking of the evils of Rock and Roll music, Righteous has gained enough followers to increase his power and soon enough has Rock and Roll music banned from society.
World famous Rock and Roll band KILROY was just finishing up a national tour, playing their last concert at The Paradise Theatre, when this law was passed. Ignoring advise to cancel the remaining show, band leader Robert Orin Charles Kilroy was in the midst of playing the last song when the MMM marched in and stormed the stage. When it was over, an MMM protester was dead and Robert Kilroy accused of the murder.
You have been selected as a jury member for the case of The People of Chicago vs. Robert Orin Charles Kilroy. Using your knowledge of American Law, you are to determine the fate of Robert Kilroy. Was the law that was passed to ban Rock and Roll music constitutional? Was Kilroy framed for this murder? You're task is to write the facts of this fictitious case along with your decision of "Guilty" or "Not Guilty" in essay form (at least 500 words) in 10 days time. You will also present the highlights of your essay in a Power Point presentation (at least 5 slides).
1. Form groups of two to complete this project. Decide, first, whether you will go for a "Guilty" or "Not Guilty" verdict. Think of the different implications of each senerio.
2. Discuss what you know about the Constitution and how it applys to this case. Why and how was this law passed? Does "mind control" play a roll in the passing of this law? Who is this law aimed to control, other than entertainers?
3. After you have a clear understanding of the situation, research, using the Internet, books and videos, the background of the story of Kilroy, the American Constitution and how laws are passed.
4. Be sure to note what resources you used and how to properly reference them.
5. Once all pertinent information is collected record all data in a way to support your verdict. Create a background story relating to the character of Kilroy that include important events up to the night in question. Use only those characters in the story/video.
6. You are now ready to write your individual essay. Remember what stance you took in your verdict and how you came about it. Essays should be grammatically correct and all resources used should be referenced using endnotes/footnotes.
7. Along with your partner, create a Power Point Presentation of your main points and supporting data. Remember to be clear on your facts as you created in your essay. This will be presented to the class on your assigned date. You will have 7 to 10 days to complete this portion of your assignment. Essays will be handed in on the tenth day.
8. Remember to first take a stance with a verdict, research all needed information, create a background story, write a rough draft, proof read then write final essay.
You should consult the following resourses to gather your information:
1. American Law Sources on line - Great site to view information about the American Constitution.
2. The STYX E-zine - Review the Kilroy was Here section for background information and characters.
3. STYX "Caught In The Act" video - available at the public library in the music section.
4. Noodle Tools - information on referencing resources.