West Civ Day 14 - Trial Research and Prep

Objectives:  Research the socio-historical context and individuals of the Protestant Reformation.

Task:  Today, you'll have the entire class session to work on your trial preparation.  Work with your "team" to clarify your position and prepare your character role.    

• Chief Justice:  You are a cardinal - an important position in the Catholic church - and must decide whether Martin Luther is guilty of the three counts BASED UPON the case presented. You must maintain order and decorum in the courtroom.  You will provide background and context prior to the trial and make a verdict at the end of the trial.
• Attorneys:  Your job is to prosecute or defend Martin Luther on the three charges.  Work with your witnesses to build your case.  You will need to create an opening argument and a closing argument.
• Defense Witnesses: 
• Martin Luther - YOU are on trial!  You must be able to answer questions consistently with Luther's theological view.
• Jan Hus - YOU are an early Christian reformer!  You must be able to answer questions consistently with Hus's theological view.
• German prince - YOU may be Catholic or a reformer BUT you are testifying for the defense! You are frustrated by the decrees of Charles V and Pope Leo X and seeking greater political influence in your domain.
• German commoner - YOU are most likely illiterate!  Consider how Luther's teachings may improve your life.
•  Prosecution Witnesses:
• Charles V - YOU are the Holy Roman Emperor, enthroned by heredity with the blessing of the Pope!  You must be able to answer questions consistently with your position.
• Pope Leo X - YOU are the leader of THE Church!  You must be able to answer questions consistent with Catholic Church.
• Johannes Tetzel - YOU are a preacher known for selling indulgences!  Consider what motivates you and build your position around this answer.
• German commoner - YOU are most likely illiterate!  Consider why you would resist challenges to the Church and Luther's teachings.

Please use your time wisely - your position papers, including a works cited,  are due by 7:00 pm on Sunday!

Homework:

• TODAY - PDC #3 due on class blog by 3:00 pm
• Sunday, April 26 - Position Paper (Chief Justice paper is due AFTER trial) submitted via email as a PDF by 7:00 pm
• Tuesday, April 28 - Trial of Martin Luther
• Monday, May 4 - Unit 2 Renaissance & Reformation Test

Resources for Trial Research:

• Trial of Martin Luther
• "Twelve Articles of the Peasants of Swabia" (1524)
• The Edict of Worms (1521)
• Condemning the Errors of Martin Luther (Pope Leo X - 1520)
• Internet Medieval Sourcebook: The Reformation
• Reformation Europe
• The Diet of Worms: Trial of Martin Luther
• Martin Luther (PBS)