Preface Acknowledgments About the Author 1. Curriculum Drama: An Engaging Approach to Social Studies Understanding Curriculum Drama Using Curriculum Drama to Meet Standards Emerging From Educational Drama Summary What's Next? 2. Constructing Curriculum Drama: Exploring Its Structure The Inner Workings of Curriculum Drama Using a Blueprint Setting the Stage Multiple Entry Points Summary What's Next? 3. Becoming a Senator: Setting the Stage Starting With a Blueprint: U.S. Constitution Setting the Stage Selecting States for the Classroom Senate Recognizing the Senators: An Event Researching the States in in the Classroom Senate Researching U.S. Senators Summary What's Next? 4. Political Parties: Building Belief Consulting With a Blueprint: U.S. Senate Setting the Stage Creating Political Affiliations Recognizing Political Groups: An Event Constructing a Political Agenda Classroom Dilemma: Encountering Disbelief Summary What's Next? 5. Holding an Election: Engaging in Multiple Entry Points Setting the Stage Electing Leaders Within the Party Consulting With a Blueprint - President Pro Tempore Thinking Strategically Secret Ballot Election: An Event Classroom Dilemma: Breaking Too Soon From an Event Summary What's Next? 6. Current Events: Doing Legislative Work Setting the Stage Consulting With a Blueprint and Constructing Legislation Introducing Legislation: An Event Appraising Legislation Engaging in Committee Work Classroom Dilemma: Discord in Small Group Work Curriculum Drama in Action: Committee Work Summary What's Next? 7. Constructing a Hearing: Appraising Witness Testimony Prioritizing Legislation Setting the Stage Witness Testimony: An Event Curriculum Drama in Action: Witness Testimony Classroom Dilemma: Rupture of Credibility Summary What's Next? 8. Constructing a Debate: Taking Legislative Action Committee Decision Setting the Stage Senate Debate: An Event Curriculum Drama in Action: Senate Debate Classroom Dilemma: Going Along With Student Decisions Summary What's Next? 9. Constructing Curriculum Drama in Other Contexts Current Events: World Summit on Peace History: Should Women Vote? Law: A Criminal Trial Concluding Words: Letting the World In Glossary Resources A. Oath of Office B. Research Guidelines: State Report C. Research Guidelines: Getting to Know a U.S. Senator D. Activity: Determining Political Affiliations E. List of Senators in a Classroom Senate F. Activity: Working on a Political Platform G. Activity: Creating Legislation H. Committee Tasks I. Classroom Legislation: S 125, "Clean Air" J. Classroom Legislation: S 121, "Reducing Crime" K. Testimony: Dr. Van Schick L. Testimony: Mr. Will Cart M. Activity: Constructing an Amendment N. Excerpts From a Debaters' Handbook References Index
"Offers educators a powerful method for making learning essential to students' experience. Once they enter a curriculum drama, students become actors in a dynamic world that engages them intellectually, emotionally, and intuitively. They must sharpen their thinking, communicate effectively, and write and speak persuasively to be part of the action. Franklin is an imaginative and thoughtful guide taking teachers and students into the fertile territory of history brought to life." -Judith Ghinger, Early College Liaison The City College of New York Make social studies accessible, relevant, and engaging with standards-based curriculum drama! Curriculum drama is a student-centered, inquiry-based teaching method in which the teacher facilitates dramatic activities that engage students' interest and imagination, develop critical thinking skills, and promote collaboration. Civic Literacy Through Curriculum Drama, Grades 6-12 shows educators how to provide rigorous and innovative opportunities for students to experience the social studies curriculum firsthand, from mock trials to classroom senates to political campaigns. Rooted in constructivism, these realistic experiences develop deep knowledge and understanding as students research and take on the roles of senators, judges, lawyers, campaign managers, lobbyists, and political activists. Aligned to National Council for the Social Studies standards, this field-tested, hands-on guide features: Step-by-step guidelines for constructing curriculum dramas based on historical cases, current events, and the legislative process Sample dramas, student voices, and activity sheets to help teachers get started An extensive, detailed example showing what curriculum drama looks and sounds like in the classroom Transform civics instruction into a dynamic, student-driven discourse that will help your students become informed, critically minded, socially conscious citizens.
Catherine A. Franklin is an assistant professor in the School of Education at The City College of the City University of New York. She teaches social studies education to both undergraduates and graduates. She began her career by teaching in schools around the world (e.g., Colombia, Japan). In New York City, she was a middle school classroom teacher for over ten years. Along with teaching social studies, literature, and writing to eighth-grade students, she worked as a cooperating teacher for student teachers who were placed in her classroom. She earned her EdD at Teachers College, Columbia University in the Curriculum and Teaching Department and her MA in international education from Lesley University. She consults on social studies education and curriculum design.