Death Penalty: What Is It? What Do We Think About It?

Abstract:: In late September 2011, the death penalty dominated news headlines. The stories mostly revolved around the case of Troy Davis, a 42-year old African American man who was convicted of killing a white off-duty police officer in Savannah, Georgia, over 20 years ago. Protests against the death penalty were held across the US and the debate over his guilt captured the attention of thousands internationally as well. Over the years Troy Davis's case has helped fuel the global movement to end the death penalty. After three earlier stays of execution, Troy Davis lost a clemency vote taken by the Georgia Parole Board on September 20, 2011. The following day, he was put to death by lethal injection.

Read the Fine Print

The Protestor: Time Magazine's 2011 Person of the Year

Abstract:: Lesson Objectives: To help students understand why Time magazine chose The Protester as their 2011 Person of the Year. To help students understand how and why the worldwide protests took place during 2011, and their interconnectedness and distinctiveness. To help students understand the role of social media in the protests. To help students reflect on who "has done the most to influence the events of the year". To help students reflect on the meaning of democracy.

Read the Fine Print

Abstract:: This lesson is divided into two student readings. The first reading compares the scope of the present student debt crisis with the past and discusses what has changed. The second reading explores some proposals for dealing with the student debt crisis. Discussion questions aimed at getting students to think critically about the student debt problem and its possible solutions follow each reading.