Names of Group Members:
The Crucible Project
English 2 Level 2
Prezi Presentation: 60 points
The project below will help you extend your understanding of the Salem Witch Trials of the 1600’s and the McCarthy Trials of the 1950’s, as well as expose your classmates to the context surrounding the play, The Crucible, by Arthur Miller.All options call for a group of approximately three-four people and a Prezi presentation.This will count as a PROJECT grade and each member of the group must contribute equally. Divide up the work load, do your best and you will share a group grade.
Your group can choose a topic, or can design your own with teacher approval.
The Options:
1: The Practice of Witchcraft in Modern Times: What type(s) of witch craft is being practiced today in the U.S.? Where is it being practiced? How is it received by others? Do Witches still exist? What are the various rituals involved? What kind of training is needed? What is Wicca?
2: McCarthyism: This movement depended on mass hysteria to proceed. What was the cultural climate of the time? Who was affected? Who tried to stop the trials? Look for specific celebrities and public figures, and how/why they stood up to the charges? What was the impact on their lives? Who were the “Hollywood Ten?” What happened to Joe McCarthy?
3: The Salem Witch Trials: What events led to these trials? Who were involved-as prosecutors? As victims? What were the outcomes of the trials? How do historians interpret these events? How has Salem tried to atone for this disgraceful episode in her past?
4: New England in the 1690’s: What type of people settled in Mass.? How did they survive? What were their main fears and anxieties? What can you find out about their social structures, government models, daily life, professions, etc.?
5: Arthur Miller: Key events in his life? Other works published? His beliefs/political outlook including communist connections?Arraignment by the House of Un-American Activities and its outcome?
6: Witchcraft Background:What was witchcraft? Who practiced it? Describe the social response to witchcraft in Europe in the 16th and 17th centuries. What social and religious factors are given to account for the harsh response to witchcraft?
7: Scapegoats in History: Explore and analyze other groups in history who have been needlessly persecuted-EX: Jews, Gypsies, Ethnic minorities in Yugoslavia, Rwanda or anywhere else “ethnic cleansing” has occurred or is occurring.
OPTIONAL: Students can create an annotated bibliography as a component of the presentation material. This can be done for extra credit. You may do this as a self-learning activity where you research what an annotated bibliography is, how it is created in an MLA format, and what information is involved.