True Crime Writing in the United States Unit (AP Language)

This unit looks at American history and culture through the lens of true crime narratives. The assignments and activities trace the roots of this genre of non-fiction from Puritan accounts of executions to 19th Century murder ballads to modern day serial killer stories while analyzing the changing intellectual landscape of the last 300 years. This unit asks student to explore questions of class, gender, race, and morality in relation to criminal behavior.

As an AP Language unit, students practice rhetorical analysis, synthesis, and argument skills. A pacing guide for three weeks is provided, but this unit could easily be extended for longer. The framework for a variety of activities, from multiple choice practice to a presentations to discussion groups is provided. The readings from students offer a wide-variety of textual types: nonfiction passages, a podcasts, videos, and a graphic novel excerpt. Multiple levels of assessment are also provided, including two essay prompts: a rhetorical analysis of a nonfiction passage and an argumentative essay prompt based on a quote.

15 page teacher guide with pacing guide, answer keys, rubrics, and discussion questions

118 page student activity book. This book includes all the readings and multiple worksheets and activities.

18 PowerPoint slides, including links to external media.