“Just Mercy” Book Discussion Club
We will read and discuss the "young adult version" of the bestselling book ‘Just Mercy”. Students will engage in meaningful conversations, critical analysis and thoughtful writing activities as it relates to the book’s theme and ideas.
Cheryl Carter Creative Classroom
Average rating:
4.7
Number of reviews:(181)
What's included
4 live meetings
4 in-class hoursClass Experience
“Just Mercy” Book Discussion In this class, we will read and discuss the young adult version of the bestselling book ‘Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson. In this four-week class students will engage in meaningful conversations, critical analysis and thoughtful writing activities as it relates to the book’s themes, ideas and content. Social justice organizations have acknowledged this book’s relevance as it relates to our understanding of our nation’s juridical system. Many have encouraged others to read the book because its opens the door to profound questions about race, justice, crime, and our shared humanity. During the live weekly discussions and follow-up writing assignments to be posted in the Outschool classroom. Students will learn about the major themes of the book which all ultimately hinge on hope and justice.Topics discussed may include death row, racism, poverty and legal bias. Since class conversations will be frank, reflective middle-school and high school students are invited to enroll in this class. The ‘young adult version’ of the book will be used in the class. The young adult version of the book removes some portions of sensitive material that young people might not be ready to discuss. Please get the young adult version of the book. Students are expected to have read the Introduction of the book before the first class. Those who have previously read the book and want to engage in further conversation are also invited to attend class. Although the topic may seem weighty, the actual work for this class just requires an open mind for learning and the ability to interact with peers in an atmosphere of mutual respect where new ideas are considered. Come, learn and have fun as you think further about justice and mercy. The class will be conducted as following 10 minutes: Students will review weekly chapters for content and/or new concepts, terms, and social issues 45 minutes: Students will answer reflective questions (based on weekly reading) using the Socratic method. The instructor will post reflective questions in the Outschool classroom a week before the reading and encourage students to respond thoughtfully. 5 minutes: Wrap Up: Key ideas will be reviewed by the instructor. Additionally, optional follow-up activities including outside research, analytic essays and/or questions that will be posted in the Outschool classroom Note: Optional projects and written assignments will be assessed on rubric. Summary of book: A powerful true story about the potential for mercy to redeem us, and a clarion call to fix our broken system of justice—from one of the most brilliant and influential lawyers of our time. Bryan Stevenson was a young lawyer when he founded the Equal Justice Initiative, a legal practice dedicated to defending those most desperate and in need: the poor, the wrongly condemned, and women and children trapped in the farthest reaches of our criminal justice system. One of his first cases was that of Walter McMillian, a young man who was sentenced to die for a notorious murder he insisted he didn’t commit. The case drew Bryan into a tangle of conspiracy, political machination, and legal brinksmanship—and transformed his understanding of mercy and justice forever. Just Mercy is at once an unforgettable account of an idealistic, gifted young lawyer’s coming of age, a moving window into the lives of those he has defended, and an inspiring argument for compassion in the pursuit of true justice. Schedule: Week One: Chapters 1-4 Week Two: Chapters 5-8 Week Three: Chapters 9-12 Week Four: Chapters 13-16 Teacher's Guide to be used: http://images.randomhouse.com/teachers_guides/9780812994520.pdf Parent Guidance: This book was specifically adapted for young adults. See the links below for more information on the teen edition of the book: http://commonreads.com/2018/09/18/the-message-of-just-mercy-adapted-for-young-readers/ Here is parental information on the book. https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/567033/just-mercy-movie-tie-in-edition-adapted-for-young-adults-by-bryan-stevenson/
Learning Goals
Learning Goals
Students learn how to think critically about what they have read.
Students will learn to apply the Socratic method to their learning of new material.
Students will develop their critical and analytic writing skills.
Students will discuss social justice issues as they relate to juridical reform.
Other Details
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined January, 2018
4.7
181reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
The instructor is a college professor, English instructor and freelance writer who has authored several literary guides. She is skilled in integrating movies, literature and critical thinking in such a way that students are intrigued and want to know more. She authored movie discussion guides that has helped students understand complex issues while enjoying a movie or book. More importantly, she is sensitive to the issues or race, poverty and social justice having worked with a diverse group of students and causes over the years.Reviews
Live Group Class
$80
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
60 min
Completed by 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
10-18 learners per class
