The Scopes Monkey Trial: "God Only Knows" or "I'll Be A Monkey's Uncle!"

An Integrated, Interdisciplinary Thematic Unit on the 1920's. In its broad application, this unit will offer students a panoramic view of the 1920's. The unit will provide students with an understanding of the economic, political, and artistic trends of the decade. Students will examine such issues as consumerism, urbanization, laissez faire government, economic speculation, and the emergence of a national culture. Students will comprehend these trends through exploration of primary and interpretive materials. Harlem Renaissance literature, jazz, and ragtime music, the writings of H. L. Mencken - these are a few examples of the culture to which students will be exposed. The Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925 will be the focal
point of the unit.