WHY LOUISIANA AIN'T MISSISSIPPI... OR ANY PLACE ELSE!

OBJECTIVES

1. Express and support arguments properly amongst a group of peers using evidence during a Socratic Seminar.

2. Explore why Louisiana is unique amongst all states with respect to legal operations and property.

3. Explain one aspect of Louisiana Law and/or Real Estate through the Expository writing process.

EDUCATION STANDARDS: SOCIAL STUDIES and ELA

• Louisiana ELA Standards: Writing: 8.2(a-f)
  
• Language: 8.1(a-d), 8.2(a-c), 8.3a, 8.4(a-d)
• Louisiana Social Studies Standards: 8.1, 8.2, 8.3

MEDIA RESOURCES

• Why Louisiana Ain't Mississippi... Or Anyplace Else Video Clip
  • Louisiana Purchase

• Reading Material
  • LA Law & Real Estate Essay Instructions

• Website
  • How to Conduct a Socratic Seminar

MATERIALS NEEDED:

• Computer
• Internet

SUGGESTED TIME
Approximately Two-three 45 minute class sessions

VERIFICATION
Checks for Understanding

ACTIVITY/LESSON

1. After viewing the documentary Why Louisiana Ain’t Mississippi, students will reflect on ways in which Louisiana may differ from other states in the United States. Have students list these ways. Students may use the internet to research the topic.

2. Students will work in pairs or groups to obtain definitions of the terms in the list below. Based on the definitions, student pairs or small groups will briefly discuss how these terms work together in Louisiana law.

3. Students will conduct a whole class Socratic Seminar How to conduct a Socratic Seminar with one student (or teacher) as the leader. Students will discuss ways in which the state of Louisiana is different and why this is so. The terms will be the basis for the discussion.

4. Teacher may offer any suggestions, but may choose to let this be completely student-led and student-driven.

5. Each student will separately respond to one of the following essay questions in a well-constructed three-five paragraph
   Expository Essay : (Essay may also be done as a compare/contrast paper as long as the original question is sufficiently answered in the essay)
   1. How is a parish different from a county? Why does Louisiana have parishes and not counties?
   2. Discuss Napoleonic Law and why it is so similar to Louisiana law. What is Louisiana law called and what are its differences from Common Law? Why is this still the way of the state of Louisiana?

Explain how a usufruct works? What are some pros and cons of a usufruct being in effect?

VOCABULARY