LESSON ONE:
THE TRIAL BY ORDEAL

1. The instructor should introduce the first simulation as follows: "There has been a crime commifted in our classroom. While I was out of the classroom, someone in this room stole something from me. In order to ensure order and justice in our class we must determine who here is guilty of this crime. Further, in order to determine guilt you all are expected to participate in the following exercise."

2. Students should each receive one "Jawbreaker" candy and be asked to consume the candy.

3. After a short period of time inform students that there will be test of guilt. Students will form small groups and determine whose tongue has changed color most drastically. The individuals in each group whose tongue has changed the most will be asked to raise their hands.

4. The individuals whose tongues turn most drastically will be determined to be guilty of a conspiracy against the instructor.

5. Before discussing the implications of this method students should watch approximately two minutes of Time Life's Lost Civilizationsvideo "Mesopotamia: Return to Eden" (21:18 - 23:23) that describes how this system is used in modern Bedouin societies. Explain to students that the system used in class, and described in the video, is a system of Trial by Ordeal.

6. Following the simulation and video students should write a short, informal essay on the following question: Does the Trial by Ordeal ensure order and justice?

7. Class discussion should be centered around the topic under consideration. The instructor might make a list of the following categories on the chalkboard, or overhead projector, to organize topics of discussion:

   ORDER

   JUSTICE

   PROBLEMS

8. Following the discussion have students speculate: Who or what is the locus of authority in the Trial by Ordeal? It is supernatural.

9. Homework: The Instructor might assign for homework reading about the case "A Modern Feud" as preparation for the next lesson.