「正義慈悲」讀書討論俱樂部

“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/