Huck Finn and the JRP

In conjunction with reading Huck Finn this year, you will also conduct research and present your findings on two subjects Twain focused on in Huck Finn.You will work in groups of TWO for this project.

Project choice:

  1. An analysis of race in America today and within Huck Finn.
  2. An analysis of what it means to reach self-actualization.

Your presentation should reflect your opinion on the topic, supported by outside evidence-both from Huck Finn and other researched sources. So when I use the term “analysis” I want to see your thinking, not a summary or response to someone else’s thinking, or regurgitation of another’s argument. What you have to say may not be agreed upon by others, but it represents your perspective and if you take what we’ve learned in AP Lang this year- your argument is mature, claims are validated with evidence and you show the complexities of the issue.

Project requirements:

  1. While reading Huck Finn, create a graphic organizer that analyzes your project of choice.
  2. Read assigned materials related to project choice.
  3. Give a presentation to the class that addresses questions related to your project of choice.

Race Project Details:

  1. Questions to answer: How does the culture of a nation affect notions of race? In your answer, you should include the following:
  2. Examine the physiological affects/effects of race.
  3. Examine the politics of race
  4. Analyze race in Huck Finn
  5. Analyze race in America today
  6. Additional materials: In addition to Huck Finn, these materials will help you answer the above questions. Cite all sources used in your presentation
  7. Remembering Slavery
  8. (read the article and watch the videos- specifically the video: “The Making of a Black President”
  9. Historical context (guest teacher/speaker)
  1. Huck Finn graphic organizer: you may choose a graphic organizer that works best for you but you MUST document race throughout the entire novel.
  2. Include incident or plot point where race became evident
  3. Describe how the characters interacted
  4. What do we learn about any of the above questions regarding race?

Self-Actualization Project Details:

  1. Questions to answer: What are the key factors affecting the journey towards self-actualization? In your answer, you should address the following:
  2. How much does one’s culture affect their journey?
  3. What other factors affect one’s journey the most?
  4. Does Huck Finn reach self-actualization?
  5. Additional Materials: In addition to reading and analyzing Huck’s journey towards self-actualization, you need to choose an individual or even an entity ( if you are choosing a thing, think Apple, or Google, Tesla). Find FOUR sources that allow you to best assess where that individual/entity is in their journey towards self-actualization. NOTE: you will not find ONE article answering the above questions- the answer is for you to decide based on your reading.
  6. The basic concept of self-actualization:
  7. Huck Finn graphic organizer: you may choose a graphic organizer that works best for you but you MUST document Huck’s journey throughout the entire novel.
  8. Specific incidents that show Huck’s growth as an individual and your interpretation of this incident related to self-actualization
  9. Specific incidents that show Huck’s inability to grow or resistance towards self-actualization
  10. What most affects Huck’s growth as an individual?

Presentation Requirements:

  1. Graphic organizers and a Works Cited page will be handed in after giving your presentation to the class. See scoring guides for details.
  2. Presentation length (if working in pairs, double time):
  3. 6-8 minutes for proficient
  4. 8-10 minutes for excellent
  5. Presentation must include a visual that helps the audience better understand your argument. Remember, your argument is your answer to the questions connected to your project. Carefully read the presentation scoring guide to best understand expectations.
  6. Videos can be included but must not exceed one minute in length.