The American Dream Project and Presentation
As we have discussed in class, the American dream has taken various forms in our nation’s history. However, some elements are universally shared by just about every story or telling of the American Dream. You and three others will use these common elements to tell a story about a famous American and how that person represents the American Dream. At the beginning of the project, each group will draw the subject of their project from a hat. The possible choices are Muhammad Ali, John Dillinger, Bernie Madoff, Richard Nixon, Al Capone, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, and Abraham Lincoln. Each project will address the following:
· How does your person’s childhood/upbringing reflect the traditional American Dream narrative? Consider how race, religion, ethnicity, or social class contributed to the formation of your figure’s American Dream narrative
· Tell the story of your figure’s rise to power or prominence. Why was he successful? How was he viewed by the American public?
· Discuss your figure’s downfall or fall from prominence. Was it brought on by his own actions or those of another person or entity?
· Did violence or criminality play any role in your figure’s rise to power or downfall? If so, how? Was violence/criminal behavior instrumental to their success?
For the written portion of the assignment, each of the above questions must be answered in two paragraphs, either typed or handwritten.
Also due is a Capzle timeline and accompanying presentation (5-7 minutes) that summarizes the research data. This timeline will be presented to the class.
For both portions of the project, students must include a works cited page for any consulted resources. Citations must follow MLA style.
The written portion will be worth 50% of the grade and will be graded on clarity of ideas and commitment to answering the questions in the prompt.
The presentation and slide show will be worth 50% and will be graded off of the following rubric.
Rubric
As we have discussed in class, the American dream has taken various forms in our nation’s history. However, some elements are universally shared by just about every story or telling of the American Dream. You and three others will use these common elements to tell a story about a famous American and how that person represents the American Dream. At the beginning of the project, each group will draw the subject of their project from a hat. The possible choices are Muhammad Ali, John Dillinger, Bernie Madoff, Richard Nixon, Al Capone, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, and Abraham Lincoln. Each project will address the following:
· How does your person’s childhood/upbringing reflect the traditional American Dream narrative? Consider how race, religion, ethnicity, or social class contributed to the formation of your figure’s American Dream narrative
· Tell the story of your figure’s rise to power or prominence. Why was he successful? How was he viewed by the American public?
· Discuss your figure’s downfall or fall from prominence. Was it brought on by his own actions or those of another person or entity?
· Did violence or criminality play any role in your figure’s rise to power or downfall? If so, how? Was violence/criminal behavior instrumental to their success?
For the written portion of the assignment, each of the above questions must be answered in two paragraphs, either typed or handwritten.
Also due is a Capzle timeline and accompanying presentation (5-7 minutes) that summarizes the research data. This timeline will be presented to the class.
For both portions of the project, students must include a works cited page for any consulted resources. Citations must follow MLA style.
The written portion will be worth 50% of the grade and will be graded on clarity of ideas and commitment to answering the questions in the prompt.
The presentation and slide show will be worth 50% and will be graded off of the following rubric.
Rubric