A Montana 1948 WebQuest
Introduction:
"Is it possible to define 'good' and 'evil'?"
Now that we've meet David, Wesley, Uncle Frank and the rest, these questions have been thrown into sharp relief. It's time to put our beliefs to the test.
CAN you define "good" and "evil" in such a way that we (the class) would be comfortable accepting those definitions in our own lives?
CAN you persuade us that these definitions are impossible in such a way that we (the class) would be willing to give up our definitions in our own lives?
Task:
Finally, you will present your findings to the class. Can you convince them to adopt your definitions in order to label themselves as "good" or "evil"?
Your WRITTEN products will include:
Process:
Search dictionaries and see what a dictionary definition of good/evil would be. Try different search terms.'
TO WRITE:
Paraphrase how a dictionary might define the terms "good" or "evil".
2. Take a look at an encyclopedia entry on "ethics".
(EB is found on the RB Homepage. Search EB for "ethics")
TO WRITE:
After reading the Encyclopedia entry, generate a list of 10+ issues/questions that you will have to consider when coming to your own personal definition of "good" and "evil". What complicating factors are out there?
3. Visit quotationspage.com. Search “good” and “evil”.
TO WRITE:
Choose 2-3 quotes that you find provocative or relevant to our quest to define "good" and "evil". Reflect, in a paragraph of writing for each quote, about whether you consider the quote to be accurate or not.
4. Examine several historical and religious perspectives of “good” and “evil”. Paraphrase a definition based on the views of each of these perspectives.
(A summary of the moral standards of most basic world religions.)
Ten Commandments - King James Bible
(The founding Old Testament principles of Judaism and Christianity.)
(The basic tenets of the Islamic religion)
(The basic tenets of the Buddhist religion)
TO WRITE:
In approximately 1-2 pages of writing (typed, double spaced, 12 pt. font), consider the following two questions:
-About which universal moral truths do all world religions seem to agree?
-About which moral issues do major world religions seem to disagree?
5. IF you believe “good” and “evil” can be defined, write your first definitions.
IF you believe they cannot be defined, write your first rationale for why.
REQUIREMENTS:
This written piece should be NO MORE THAN ONE PAGE LONG - this is a summary of your own personal thoughts in light of the research you did in part #1.
6.
Consider the text of
· Do YOU consider any of these characters to be “good” or “evil”?
o Uncle Frank
o Grandpa Hayden
o David Hayden
o Wesley Hayden
o Marie Little Soldier
o Gail Hayden
· Do your definitions from step #4 apply to these characters? Do they fit?
· Is it impossible to define these characters in terms of good and evil? Why?
7. Create an academic, quoted essay defending your point of view from step #6.
REQUIREMENTS:
7. Create a single page “abstract” of your final definitions or rationale. Mention your most telling arguments relating to the novel and history.
REQUIREMENTS:
No more than TWO pages at the very most - keep it short, clear, and simple. You SHOULD reference the novel (quote if you want) and the research. This will be reproduced as a HANDOUT that the class can read.
If written clearly, bullet point arguments are acceptable for this piece.
8. Present your idea to the class. Answer their questions and challenges to your definition.
9. The class will vote on whether or not they’d accept your definition as true, or accept your rationale for why these concepts cannot be defined.
Resources:
(EB is found on the RB Homepage. Search EB for "ethics")
(A summary of the moral standards of most basic world religions.)
Ten Commandments - King James Bible
(The founding Old Testament principles of Judaism and Christianity.)
(The basic tenets of the Islamic religion)
(The basic tenets of the Buddhist religion)
Evaluation:
|
Beginning 1 |
Developing 2 |
Accomplished 3 |
Exemplary 4 |
Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Clarity |
You are either clearly defining "good" and "evil" or arguing that they cannot be defined. However, you make no larger point. | You are either clearly defining "good" and "evil" or arguing that they cannot be defined. You articulate the basic points of your argument. | You are either clearly defining "good" and "evil" or arguing that they cannot be defined. You articulate and elaborate the points of your argument. | You are either clearly defining "good" and "evil" or arguing that they cannot be defined. You articulate, elaborate, and support the points of your argument with detailed examples. | |
|
Context |
Either the novel or the historical context are not mentioned. | Both the novel and historical context are mentioned, but only briefly or in a cursory manner. | Both the novel and historical context are mentioned. The novel is given detailed treatment, but historical context is brief. | Both the novel and historical context are considered in detail. | |
|
Presentation & Defense
|
Presentation is completed. However, ideas are unclear, confusing, and undefended. | Presentation is completed. Ideas are clear, but undefended. | Presentation is completed. Ideas are clear. Ideas are defended, but still have logical flaws. | Presentation is completed. Ideas are clear and logically defended. | |
|
Format
|
No format requirements are not met - e.g. bibliography not formatted, writing not paragraphed, etc. | Some format requirements are not met - e.g. bibliography not formatted, writing not paragraphed, etc. | Format requirements are met, but products may not look neat and polished. | Format requirements are met and all products look neat and polished. | |
|
Mechanics
|
Grammar and editing errors make written work unreadable. | Work is readable, but at least one grammar or editing error is made consistently. | Work is readable, despite a few, unrelated gramamr or editing errors. | Work is polished. Grammar and editing errors have no impact on understanding. |
Conclusion:
These are concepts that religious leaders, philosophers, politicans, and - really- all men and women have struggled with since human beings were able to think. Montana 1948 is certainly not the only novel to deal with these concepts, but it does provide you with nuanced characters facing moral dilemmas.
By the end of this project, you should have put your ideas about "good" and "evil" to the test. Whether you agree with the class' decisions or assessment of your work, you've at least been faced with their questions and their skepticism.
Along the way, you've learned some fundamentals of research, of academic writing, and of textual support.
Most importantly, you've begun to clarify for yourself your attitudes about the lives you lead, what makes them worthwhile, and why.