Freakonomics Lesson Plan

The Wire

Kind of Activity:

Mixed Media

Objective:

To allow students to compare and contrast the themes of the text with different media and formats.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.11-12.7

Structure:

Many people reading the chapter on drug dealers will immediately be reminded of the famous TV show The Wire, which ran for five seasons between 2002-2008. Widely regarded as one of the greatest television shows of all time, The Wire looks at the drug scene in Baltimore through the eyes of police, dealers, and users.

Sudhir Venkatesh, who embedded himself with the Black Disciples gang in this chapter, had this to say about The Wire: “I am a huge fan of The Wire. I...