Beowulf & John Gardner's Grendel: Mock Trial Project; Complete Unit

One of the most student-driven units I've created and taught, this project requires students to read both Beowulf and John Garnder's contemporary novel Grendel to gather evidence for an in-class mock trial: THE WRONGFUL DEATH OF GRENDEL! Honor students absolutely love the assignment, which provides them with an opportunity to prepare for roles as attorneys, character witnesses, or jurors. Download the first page of this 10-page unit for FREE; if you like what you see, pick up the rest, which includes a complete overview of the assignment, student roles and expectations, and point values for individual writing and presentations; a 4-page guide to basic courtroom procedure and rules of evidence; evaluation forms for student participants; and a student feedback form to gather input for future classes. This assignment allows students flexibility in selecting a role that suits their interests, yet challenges every student in class.