American Dream Project

English III

This year we have studied the American Dream and how it has changed throughout our country’s history. Wehave seen it reflected in the different pieces of literature we read this year including the “Declaration of Independence” where Thomas Jefferson set forth his idea of the American Dream when he boldly stated “that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” Now, it is your turn to present your understanding of the American Dream in this two-part project.

Part One: In at least a one page essay, you will individually describe your personal beliefs about the American Dream. Use the following questions to help you develop your essay. Don’t attempt to answer all of the questions; you could just answer one or combine ideas from a few.

Guiding Questions

  • What is the American Dream?
  • Is it the same for all Americans?
  • Is it a myth?
  • Is it simply a quest for a better life?
  • How has the American Dream changed over time?
  • Some see their dreams wither and die while others see their dreams fulfilled. Why?
  • Everyone has dreams about a personally fulfilled life ...what is your dream?

Your essay needs to include the following:

  • An introduction which previews main points and contains a clear thesis
  • Body paragraphs that support and explain the thesis. Each paragraph needs to express a main idea that is supported with detailed evidence and/or elaboration.
  • An effective conclusion

In addition, the essay will be graded on the following:

  • clear focus (stays on topic)
  • essay is interesting and authentic
  • word choice is consistent, careful and precise
  • paper is virtually free of errors in grammar, mechanics, usage and spelling

The essay needs to be typed in Times New Roman size 12, double-spaced with 1” margins; name, date, period number are included in the header and take up no more than 1.5” of space.

Part Two: Select one of the following roles. Working either by yourself or with a partner, you will create the product associated with the role you selected. You should respond to one or several of the guiding questions above as you create your presentation. You must come to class ready to present—you will not be allowed to work on your project while other students are presenting.

Photographer

Design a photo essay that shows your idea of the American Dream. You must include a minimum of 10 photographs with captions that are a minimum two sentences each. The photo essay may be presented in PowerPoint, Photo Story,by using a poster, or photo album.

Politician

You are to write and deliver a speech that will persuade voters to vote for your idea of the American Dream. Include a campaign slogan and sign. In your speech you must use all three persuasive appeals (ethical, logical, emotional) and 3 other persuasive techniques (rhetorical questions, parallel structure, repetition, allusion, etc.)

Producer

You are to develop a TV commercial that sells your idea of the American Dream to the public. This may be taped ahead of time or performed in class. Incorporate propaganda techniques to aid in your persuasion.

Musician

Compose and record original music that represents your idea of the American Dream. If the piece is instrumental only, then you must give a verbal explanation of how the music conveys your idea of the American Dream. If you have lyrics, you must present them visually while you are performing.

Note: The previous two can be combined to create a music video with one partner getting credit for the producer part and the other the credit for the musician.

Editorial Cartoonist

Create a series of original political cartoons or comic strips that present your idea of the American Dream. You will give a verbal explanation of your piece to the class detailing the purpose, audience, and message. Must be no smaller than 11x14 (half of a poster sheet) or presented on PhotoStory.

Reporter

Write a news article about an actual event and/or person that displaysyour idea of the American Dream. You will presentit visually in newspaper formand read it to the class. Your article must include: headline, and the reporter’s formula(who, what, when, where, and how).

Name: Class Period:

American Dream Project Grade Sheet

American Dream Essay

5 / Page is typed in Times New Roman size 12; double-spaced; 1” margins; name, date, period number are included in the header and take up no more than 1.5” of space
15 / Organization – paper includes an introduction which previews main points and contains a clear thesis; essay has a clear focus (stays on topic); includes an effective conclusion.
15 / Support – thoughts are expressed clearly and directly; each paragraph expresses a main idea that is supported with detailed evidence and/or elaboration;
15 / Style and Fluency – essay is interesting and authentic; word choice is consistent, careful and precise; paper is virtually free of errors in grammar, mechanics, usage and spelling
Total / Comments:

American Dream Presentation

5 / Creativity/ Effectiveness
Presenter will be graded on the overall effectiveness of presentation. This will include techniques used to present information, how well the information was presented, and how well it was received.
15 / Awareness of Audience
Presenter significantly increases audience understanding and knowledge of topic; effectively convinces to audience to recognize the validity of a point of view.
15 / Material/ Organization
Presentation has a clear purpose and subject; includes pertinent examples, facts, and/or statistics; conclusions/ideas are supported by evidence; major ideas are summarized and the audience is left with full understanding of presenter's position.
15 / Delivery
Presenter is relaxed, self-confident and appropriately dressed for purpose or audience; builds trust and holds attention by direct eye contact with all parts of audience; fluctuation in volume and inflection help to maintain audience interest and emphasize key points;
Total / Comments:

Suggested Teacher Approaches

  • Part One and Part Two may be turned in separately or in stages.
  • Part One may be completed as an in-class timed writing.
  • The rubric may be left to the teacher’s discretion.
  • Adjust presentations to teacher discretion.

2009-10 TEKS

  • 13A-E; 14A-C; 15A, D; 16A-D, F; 18; 19; 20A; 21A-C; 23A-C, E; 24A; 25; 26A