This project aims to bridge historical literature with contemporary business practices, challenging students to apply insights from "The Jungle" and "Tess of the D'Urbervilles" to real-world corporate dilemmas. Through collaboration, research, and creative problem-solving, students will develop a business plan that emphasizes ethical labor practices, community engagement, and sustainability. The project fosters critical thinking and socio-emotional growth as students navigate teamwork, conflict resolution, and ethical decision-making, culminating in a professional presentation of their transformative strategies for the meat packing company.
Learning goals
Students will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing historical literature to inform modern business practices. They will enhance their research abilities by studying case studies of corporate social responsibility, focusing on ethical labor practices and community engagement. Through collaborative teamwork, students will practice conflict resolution and ethical decision-making, while creating a comprehensive business plan and documentary-style video presentation. The project aims to foster socio-emotional growth, encouraging students to reflect on their experiences and contributions to the group.
Standards
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
NGSS - HS-ETS1-1: Analyze a major global challenge to specify qualitative and quantitative criteria and constraints for solutions that account for societal needs and wants.
Products
Students will collaboratively develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines strategies for ethical labor practices, community engagement, and environmental sustainability, culminating in a simulated board meeting presentation. They will also produce a documentary-style video presentation that captures the transformation of the meat packing company, integrating interviews, historical footage, and modern examples of corporate responsibility. Throughout the project, students will maintain a digital portfolio showcasing their research findings, business plan drafts, reflections, and peer feedback, illustrating the progression and application of their ideas.
Launch
To kick off the project, organize an immersive role-playing simulation where students assume the roles of different stakeholders in the meat packing industry, including workers, management, community members, and government regulators. Begin with a dramatic reading of key excerpts from "The Jungle" to set the historical context, followed by a facilitated discussion on the ethical challenges presented. Then, introduce a modern-day scenario where the company seeks to rebuild its reputation, prompting students to brainstorm initial ideas for corporate social responsibility. This launch will set the stage for the collaborative development of their business plans and foster a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in balancing ethics with business goals.
Exhibition
At the culmination of the project, students will host a simulated board meeting where they present their comprehensive business plans to an audience of peers, teachers, and community members. This exhibition will include a documentary-style video presentation showcasing the proposed transformation of the meat packing company, highlighting interviews, historical footage, and modern examples of corporate responsibility. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session, allowing students to articulate their strategies and reflect on the integration of historical literature into modern business practices. The event will serve as a platform for students to demonstrate their research, creativity, and critical thinking skills, fostering a deeper understanding of ethical business conduct.
