The Crucible : Topics Project(100 points)

The Crucible is a drama written by Arthur Miller in 1953. The play takes place in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. The play is based on the actual Salem witch trials of the time, but also comments on more contemporary issues as well. In order to grasp a full understanding of the various layers of the text, we will be dividing into six (6) groups to research and present on six key topics related to the text.

The topics include:1. The Puritans2. The Salem Witch Trials3. The Protestant Reformation4. Religion5. Arthur Miller6. McCarthyism

Requirements:Your group will create a Google Slideshow to present this information to the class. Your

slide show must be creative and, of course, accurate.

○ Each slide must contain a visual aide.

○ All members of the group must take an active role in the project. This includes

the research, the presentation, and the delivery.

○ You must answer all of the questions for your assignment.

○ All websites and sources will be cited according to MLA format. Your final slide

will be a “Works Cited” slide. You may not cite Wikipedia, though you can use it

as a starting point. Verify your information by using the EDHS Library catalogues

online and by using .edu websites.

○ Presentations should be approximately five minutes in length.

○ Your presentation will be graded on the following: Content, Organization,

Creativity, and Delivery (see rubric).

○ While other groups are presenting, you will be taking notes. Pay very close

attention because there will be a quiz!!

Due: Oct. 3/4 (Block one, the week of Oct. 2nd)

*Please see rubric on reverse, so you know how to earn an A:) Rubric: How You Will Be GradedThis is a group grade. No individual grades will be given.

Name:______________Group Members:_____________________________________Presentation Topic:___________________________________

A-B

(100-80 points)

C-D

(79-60 points)

F

(59-0 points)

● Title slide lists topic and names

● Information presented is accurate

● All subtopics (given questions) are addressed

● Information is presented in an organized, logical, and sequential manner

● Each slide has a graphic

● Presentation uses color artfully, is creative, and the presentation looks professional

● Every group member participates in the making and presenting

● Works cited slide is present at end

● Title slide is present, but missing topic or names

● Information presented is mostly accurate

● Most of the subtopics (questions) are addressed

● Information presented is arranged somewhat

● About half the slides have a graphic

● Presentation lacks creativity or appears underwhelming

● Some group members are off task or do not present

● Some attempt to cite websites used

● Title slide is missing

● Information is inaccurate

● Few to none of the subtopics are addressed

● Information is disorganized and presented in a disorderly fashion

● No graphics are used

● Presentation is messy and unprofessional

● All group members are off task and they are unable to present

● Used websites, but did not cite them

1. The Puritans

The Situation: Your class will be reading The Crucible by Arthur Miller. In order to

appreciate this play, it is helpful to understand the culture of the Puritans. You are assigned

the following topic to research and present to the class.

Your Task: Investigate and report on the Puritans. In researching your topic, answer the

following questions about the Puritans.

1. Who were the Puritans?2. Why did the Puritans come to the new world?3. List five values of Puritanism.4. What is predestination?5. What were some behaviors and duties for children?6. What were some common occupations?7. What were the governing and educating systems like?8. What did their clothing look like?9. Include other information about the Puritans.10. Describe how you think this information is important to the play, The Crucible (predict)

2. The Salem Witch Trials

The Situation: Your class will be reading The Crucible by Arthur Miller. In order to

appreciate this play, it is helpful to understand the Salem Witch Trials. You are assigned the

following topic to research and present to the class.

Your Task: Investigate and report the Salem Witch Trials. In researching your topic,

answer the following questions about the Salem Witch Trials.

Questions to Answer:

1. What were some beliefs about witchcraft and witches people held in the past?

2. What were the Salem witchcraft trials?

3. What are some possible explanations for the Salem witchcraft trials?

4. What options did an accused witch have in Salem?

5. How quickly did things get out of hand in Salem?

6. How long did the Salem witchcraft trials go on for?

7. What sort of evidence was used to arrest accused witches?

8. Do "witch hunts" still happen?

Can you think of anything else that has happened in this country that would also be considered a

"witch hunt"?

3. The Protestant Reformation

The Situation: Your class will be reading The Crucible by Arthur Miller. In order to

appreciate this play, it is helpful to understand the culture of the Puritans. You are assigned

the following topic to research and present to the class.

Your Task: Investigate and report on the Protestant Reformation. In researching your topic,

answer the following questions.

1. What was the Protestant Reformation? 2. Outline the causes of the Protestant Reformation. 3. Describe the spread of Protestantism. 4. List and describe several consequences of the Protestant Reformation. 5. Identify the following figures and give a brief description of their role in the Reformation:

○ Martin Luther○ John Calvin○ John Wycliffe○ John Hus○ William Tyndale○ Henry VIII of England

Which person listed above had a direct influence on the Puritans? In what way? Explain.

4. ReligionThe Situation: Your class is going to read The Crucible by Arthur Miller. Your comprehension and

appreciation of the play will be enhanced by knowledge

of certain concepts central to the play’s plot and theme.

Your Task: Research and report on the topics of

Covenant, The Ten Commandments, and Sabbath

Day. In researching your topic, be sure to include

answers to the following questions:1. Define the meaning of Covenant and describe its role in religious context.2. What are the Ten Commandments?

Describe in detail.3. List the Commandments and describe their role in various world religions (Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Buddhism…)4. What is meant by the Sabbath Day? Give interpretations from various world religions.5. Predict how these concepts will have a bearing on The Crucible.

6. Google Old Time Religion. This is a song. Read or listen to the lyrics. What is its theme? Does this have any influence on the play we are about to read (Prediction)? Why or why not?

5. Arthur Miller

The Situation: Your class is going to read The Crucible by Arthur Miller. Your

comprehension and appreciation of the play will be enhanced by knowledge of certain

concepts central to the play’s plot and theme.

Your Task: Research and report on Arthur Miller, the author of the play,The Crucible. In

researching your topic, be sure to include answers to the following questions:

1. Where and when was Arthur Miller born?2. What award did The Crucible win?3. Name the famous actress to whom he was married4. Most of Miller’s work can be described as didactic. Define didactic and explain how you think this relates to Miller’s life and works.5. Describe some key events in Miller’s life.6. What were some other works written by Miller?7. What were Miller’s political beliefs (include his communist connections)?8. Include other pertinent information about Arthur Miller

6. McCarthyism

The Situation: Your class will be reading The Crucible by Arthur Miller. In order to

better comprehend and appreciate the play, the students should know that the play

can be read as an allegory to Joseph McCarthy and his hunt for communism in

American society during the 1950’s.

Your Task: Research Joseph McCarthy and the

activities of HUAC. In your research, be sure to

answer the questions below. Prepare to present

your findings to the rest of the class.1. Short definition of Communism. Describe America’s attitude toward communists and communism during the late 40’s and early

50’s.2. Who was the President of the United States during this time?3. What is containment? The domino theory?4. Who is Joseph McCarthy? Provide a short biography.5. What speech did he make, and how did it kick off the Red Scare?6. What is HUAC? Describe its mission under McCarthy.7. Who were the Hollywood Ten, and what happened to them?8. When such people as Larry Parker and Roy Huggins “named names,” what happened to the people they named? If you were “named” and refused to talk, what happened?9. List some people who couldn’t work and tell why.10. Who were McCarthy’s “helpers” on HUAC? What was their role?11. Ultimately, what was McCarthy’s fate? Explain fully. When and how did he go too far?12. What was the HUAC renamed in 1969? What is its status today?13. Prediction: What bearing does all of this have on the play we are about to read?