Western Studies
Ms. Portman

Each student in the class will choose at random a team of two or three to write a play about life in France between 1787 and 1815. This should not be a series of monologues; instead, the characters should interact in conversation.

The team will create a cast where each person will take on a different identity (can be a priest, noble, peasant, someone from another country, etc), scenario (in prison, on the battlefield, at a café, etc) and dialogue.

Here is the premise, you all knew each other in 1787 and lose track of each other and somehow find each other again in 1815. The play will be a reunion between the characters and they will share their story of how their lives have changed since the Revolution began. Did your character's life improve or not? Not all characters should have the same response-in fact, disagreement is good!

I will give you a timeline in class that covers the main events of the French Revolution and we will go over this information as a class. Each character must mention the impact of at least 4 events on his/her life. These events can be the same for all characters or different-that is up to you.

This paper is a combination of factual history and your own creativity. You should use the text, class activities, and notes as the basis for your content. If you include outside material, you must cite your sources within the text and include a bibliography.
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Components:
1. Cast of characters and brief description of each (1 page)
2. Scenario description for when they meet up again (1/2 page)
3. Dialogue which answers the question (approx. 5 pages)

Grading Policy: All members of the team will receive the same grade. THERE IS NO EXCEPTION TO THIS POLICY. You will have class time to work on this project, but you must make sure each person is being responsible with his/her share of the work. 80 Points Total

Performance: The day the play is due (tentatively, Thurs November 8) some groups chosen randomly or as volunteers will perform their play for the class and lead discussion around their conclusions.

Class One:
Discussion of the assignment
Background on the French Revolution and reading of Cahiers by the Second and Third Estates
Meet with group to start brainstorming ideas
Homework- Read Chapter 20 section 4.
Answer the following questions and come up with one question of your own.
1. Discuss whether or not the French Revolution was caused more by economic issues or political grievances people had against the leadership of France.
2. Why was the storming of the Bastille considered so significant?

Class Two:
Go over the reading and questions.
Review timeline handout
Based on the perspective of your character, we will have a class discussion about the Estates General and the aftermath.
Homework- Read Chapter 20 section 5.
Answer the following questions and come up with one of your own.
1. Identify and explain the causes and results of the Reign of Terror.
2. Do you think that Napoleon is considered a hero today in France? Why or why not?

Class Three:
Go over reading and questions.
Map activity (BRING BOOK TO CLASS)
Meet with group to work on project
Homework- Read War and Peace excerpt and answer questions. Work on the play.

Class Four:
Go over War and Peace excerpt and questions
Political Maxims of Napoleon
Making Connections Presentation
Homework- Finish rough draft of your play

Class Five:
Workshop day for finishing touches of your play
Homework- Final Draft of your play

Class Six:
FINAL DRAFT DUE
Performance of plays
Homework- NONE!!!