Introduction
You have been appointed to Mira Costa High School’s Censorship
Commission. The Commission is studying issues related to censorship and
has asked you to investigate some of the history of censorship and to use the
information to help the Commission make judgments about contemporary
censorship issues. You will be using the webquest to find information about
some of the instances and issues of censorship in the past as well as
censorship that is going on today.
The Webquest will have two parts:
Part I is gathering information and Part II is writing an opinion paper
incorporating your research.
Part I
You will explore web sites on censorship in the past and the present. On a separate
paper, answer the questions that follow each site.
Part II
You will write an essay on a contemporary censorship issue. The essay should use
information or ideas from the web sites you will read. Take notes as you explore the sites
so you can include them in your essay.
Why did this man terrorize Hollywood stars?
Technology Tip
When you first click on the Censorship Lesson link, you may get a “File
Download Box.” If so, follow these directions:
 Unclick the box at the bottom of the box which says “Always ask
before opening this type of file.”
 Click on Open.
________________________________________________
Part I – Exploring Web Sites
Historical Topics:
The Trial of John Peter Zenger
The case of John Peter Zenger reminds us of a time when freedom of the press could not
be taken for granted. Censorship was a normal activity. On a separate piece of paper,
answer the following questions:
1. How might our news media be different if Zenger had lost his case?
The Trial of John Peter Zenger:
Nazi Book Burning
2. In what way might this picture have inspired Bradbury to write Fahrenheit
451?
Nazi Book Burning:
Works of Art that Nazi’s Banned as "Degenerate:"
Degenerate means to be without the qualities that are considered normal, healthy, and
moral. Click on some of the art examples (WEB LINK). Select one and answer:
3. Name of the artist and why this work could be considered "degenerate?"
Works of Art that Nazi’s Banned as "Degenerate:"
McCarthyism
McCarthyism is a term to describe a time in our history when people were accused of
being Communist sympathizers. The following link provides information and an
historical background to this turbulent time in our history.
4. Why did blacklisting happen?
5. What was it right or wrong about what happened?
6. Could it happen again?
Step V: McCarthyism and Blacklisting in Hollywood:
The following pre-reading questions are designed to guide your reading and thinking. As
you read through the “Current Topic” links. Look for such issues as:

Who is in favor of censorship?

Why are they in favor censorship?

Who is opposed to censorship?

Why are they opposed to censorship?

Which side do you agree with? Why?
Current Topics:
Explore these current topics to look at censorship issues that are in the news today.
Filters or censoring the Internet
The V-Chip and Movie Ratings: Controlling access to violence and sexuality
in the Media
Decency and the Public Funding of the Arts
Book Banning
Part II
Your Essay
The Essay Question:
You have been appointed to the Mira Costa Censorship Commission. The Commission
has been studying issues related to censorship. You have been asked to write a report.
Choose a censorship controversy, one of the above or another (with teacher permission)
and write a 3-5 paragraph essay discussing such issues as:

What is being censored?

Who is trying to censor?

Who is opposed?

Why do both sides believe the way they do?

How do you feel about it?
State your opinion about the controversy and use information you have gathered from
your research doing the webquest or other research to support your opinion.