Introduction

This webquest was originally created as a project for the Computers in the Classroom class at the University of Richmond. We wanted to make an interdisciplinary WebQuest that would show the students the relationship between history and literature.

In this WebQuest, students look at the connection between Arthur Miller's The Crucible and McCarthyism in the 1950's. Using the perspective of a character from the play, they examine the case of an accused communist named Mr. X (loosely based on Arthur Miller himself). Because they form an independent consultant team for the House Un-American Activities Committee, the students must reach a unanimous consensus regarding the political tendencies of Mr. X. They then represent their findings visually on a display board.

We hope that the following teacher pages will provide sufficient information for you as you prepare to use this WebQuest in your classroom.