This immersive three-day class dives deep into the infamous case of Lizzie Borden, exploring it through the lenses of history, criminal studies, and English Language Arts. Learners will engage in critical thinking through discussion, examining the societal norms, legal proceedings, and media portrayals of the time, specific to Lizzie Borden. The class is designed to foster a multidisciplinary understanding of the case, encouraging students to analyze and question the complex interplay of factors that shaped this historical event. We will analyze primary sources, using what was presented in court. We will also discuss societal expectations of women during the 1890s and how these may have influenced public perception of Lizzie Borden, and, perhaps, ultimately lead to her acquittal.


Day 1: Background & Detailed Overview
Objectives:
-Introduction to the social climate of Fall River, Massachusetts in the 1890s.
-Overview of the Borden family and their social standing.
-Detailed account of the murders of Andrew and Abby Borden on August 4, 1892. Elementary forensics and medical science will be discussed: time of death and how it was calculated, microscopic blood and hair detection, poison testing and stomach contents at death,  blood spatter. * (see parental guidance section for more info). 
-Discuss: What modern scientific advancements could have helped solve the case? (i.e. detection of poison and sedatives)
-At the end of class, learners will reflect on how societal norms of the time may have impacted interpretations of Lizzie Borden’s behavior and motives. Learners will have the option of a written reflection, to be completed as homework. 



Day 2: Trial Part 1
Objectives:
-Detailed timeline and abbreviated reading of Lizzie's inquest.
-Examination of Lizzie Borden’s demeanor.
Mock trial activity: students take on roles of the prosecution, defense, and witnesses. A pdf will be attached in the classroom providing the statements learners will read in their roles. These will be the real, documented statements from trial. This will serve as part of our analysis of the primary source court documents. 
-Evaluate the strength of the evidence presented during the trial.
-Discuss how gender and class may have influenced the trial's proceedings and outcomes.



Day 3: Trial Part 2 & Aftermath
Objectives:
-Mock trial activity continued: students take on roles of the prosecution, defense, and witnesses. A pdf will be attached in the classroom providing the statements learners will read in their roles. These will be the real, documented statements from trial. This will serve as part of our analysis of the primary source court documents. 
-Discussion of the verdict and immediate reactions from the public and media.
-Post-trial lives of Lizzie and Emma Borden
-Discuss the long-term impact of the case on American culture
-Short Debate: She she do it?
-Wrap-up discussion on the importance of critical thinking and multidisciplinary approaches in understanding historical events (history, science, ELA, sociology).
-Reflection: Modern day implications