You will need to watch the documentary, “I Love You, Now Die” available through Kanopy Streaming. The documentary is a two-part series, one entitled, “Prosecution” and another entitled, “Defense.” Kanopy Streaming is available to you for free using your SHSU University login information. This documentary outlines the suicide of Conrad Roy III, and the behavior of his girlfriend, Michelle Carter leading up to Conrad’s death. Conrad’s death and Michelle’s contribution to his death raised national level attention, and sparked significant debate about what constitutes criminal behavior as it relates to verbal encouragement. Michelle is ultimately convicted of involuntary manslaughter for her contributing role in Conrad’s death.
I Love You, Now Die (2 episodes)
Episode 1 – Prosecution (62 minutes): https://www.kanopy.com/product/prosecution
Episode 2 – Defense (79 minutes): https://www.kanopy.com/product/defense
Directions:
In a 2-3 page (typed, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 1” margins) paper, write a response/reaction, which addresses the following questions:
How does the documentary compare/contrast with what you have learned in the assigned reading and PowerPoint presentation from this week (i.e., Week 8; Module 8) and previous weeks’ material (e.g., gender socialization, relationship violence, juvenile delinquency)?
How did Michelle’s gender impact the news coverage of this case (e.g., how did the media cover Michelle Carter as a female offender)?
Michelle’s defense team takes the stance that Michelle is a victim of emotional abuse from Conrad. What do you think of this defense? How does this relate to our understanding of relationship violence?
Helpful hints:
Be sure to draw examples from the documentary and connect it to other class material.
It is entirely okay to shape an article around your opinion, but be sure to support your opinions with evidence/examples and material from the class material and the documentary. You will NOT be graded on your opinion; you will be graded on your ability to shape an argument that is supported with class material and the approved sources, as well as your ability to include references from the documentary in your response paper.
Grading:
You will be graded on two components:
Your ability to adhere to the outline paper requirements
Your ability to connect material from class lectures and readings with the assigned questions
