Response to social injustice

(This lesson plan was adapted from one used in a multidisciplinary theology and English class in a Christian school.)

Type of activity: A writing assignment that will sensitize people to injustices and appropriate responses.

Grade level: Middle school and high school

Setting: Can be adapted for use in public schools, Christian schools, other private schools, homeschools, and other groups

Overview:

Before touring the REAL. LIFE. Exhibit with your group, give them the assignment below.

Assignment:

1. As you walk through the REAL. LIFE. Exhibit, look for examples of injustice, whether that is related to genocide or poverty or inequities or global health.

2. Select one situation that involves injustice.

3. Take notes in the exhibit as a basis for your paper.

4. Homework: Write an outline from which you will write your paper. The outline must contain these elements:

• Introduction:
  • Attention-getter (a specific story, startling quote, or statistic)
  • Thesis (two to six paragraphs)
  • Background info (not in complete sentences)
• For each body paragraphs (two to six)
  • Topic sentence
  • Support information (not in complete sentences)
  • Clincher or transition
• Conclusion

5. Write a two- to three-page essay that highlights the following three areas:

• Give a brief background and explanation of the social injustice you have chosen. Include specific examples.
• What stands out to you most about what is happening? Whom do you think is to blame for this tragedy? What kind of emotions do you have as you think about what is happening to this group of people?
• How can you respond to this injustice? What specific steps can you take?
• What is a biblical response to this issue? Provide support from the Old Testament or from Jesus’ own words in the Gospels. How might Jesus respond to this injustice? Include at least four Scripture passages. How do these passages inform and direct your personal response and actions?

6. Format:

• Type the outline.
• Type and double-space the paper.
• This is not a research paper. 
  • If you include quotations, cite the source parenthetically within the paragraph. 
  • If you include statistics, indicate the source in the paragraph (e.g. “According to Reuters news service...”)
  • Do not use footnotes or endnotes.
• Do not paraphrase or copy.  Every word and phrase must be your own!

7. Due Dates:
    Outline:______________________________________
    Essay:_______________________________________