Crime and Punishment - Victorian era

Lesson Objective: Students will develop analytical skills by examining primary sources to understand the intricacies of crime and punishment during the Victorian era.

Starter:* Engage students in a brief discussion about modern crime, comparing it with historical perspectives to highlight changes over time.

Main Activity: Primary Source Analysis

• Introduce various primary sources such as newspaper articles, court records, and illustrations depicting Victorian-era crimes and punishments.
• Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a set of primary sources.
• Guide students in analyzing the sources, encouraging them to identify key details about the crimes, punishments, societal attitudes, and legal systems of the time.
• Facilitate group discussions where students share their findings and interpretations, fostering critical thinking and historical analysis.
• Encourage students to consider the biases and perspectives of the primary sources, promoting a nuanced understanding of historical context.
• Conclude the activity with a class-wide discussion, allowing each group to present their findings and insights, encouraging collaborative learning and diverse viewpoints.

Plenary

• Summarize the key points discussed during the lesson, emphasizing the importance of primary sources in understanding historical events and societal norms.
• Assign a follow-up activity, such as a short written reflection or a creative project, allowing students to further explore a specific aspect of Victorian-era crime and punishment.
• This lesson provides students with a hands-on opportunity to delve into historical sources, fostering critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the complexities of crime and punishment during the Victorian era.