Civic Literacy Through Curriculum Drama, Grades 6-12

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.

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

"Armed with a belief in the power of the imagination and the human drive for inquiry, Franklin transforms American civics from a stale and static subject into a compelling, student-driven civic discourse. This book is a mix of constructivist philosophy, dramatic technique, and letting the world into the classroom." -- Sam Brian, Eighth-Grade Humanities Teacher "The author's approach to curriculum drama supports students gaining a true understanding of the subject matter rather than a limited understanding that may or may not lead to good test scores. Students are encouraged to think and work together to solve problems. These are the skills they will need for a brighter future." -- Gayla LeMay, Social Studies Teacher "Rooted in a deep understanding of development and the complexities of curriculum planning, Franklin's book presents with clarity and detail a dynamic view of classroom life that supports students' imagination and creativity, the importance of questioning and critical thinking, and the responsibilities and participation of citizens in a democratic society." -- Harriet K. Cuffaro, Professor Emerita "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 "Curriculum drama engages students by activating their imagination on a variety of topics. Through inquiry-based learning, students actively participate as researchers and actors while the teacher serves as the facilitator." -- Burnedette Drysdale, Principal "Curriculum drama positions students to take up important civic concepts on their own terms through authentic, participatory activities. Catherine Franklin offers a step-by-step process for engaging adolescents in drama." -- Christopher Worthman, Associate Professor "Using vivid examples from her own teaching, Franklin details the thinking behind the multiple decisions a constructivist teacher has to make prior to, during, and after teaching to maximize the potential of curriculum drama." -- Karen Zumwalt, Edward Evenden Professor of Education