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The American Dream

The American Dream. Wealth. SUCCESS. Equality. status. FAME. JUSTICE. freedom. opportunity. Defining the dream??. NY Times: Defining the American Dream Obama on the American Dream

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The American Dream

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  1. The American Dream

  2. Wealth SUCCESS Equality status FAME JUSTICE freedom opportunity Defining the dream??

  3. NY Times: Defining the American Dream • Obama on the American Dream • As you watch the videos, take notes on the ideas proposed in both. We will briefly discuss these opinions after viewing the clips. Videos

  4. Definition:“that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement… It is not a dream of motor cars and high wages merely, but a dream of social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position.” James Truslow Adams The Epic of America (1931) What is the American Dream?

  5. Background: • United States’ Declaration of Independence: • “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”

  6. Decl. of Indep. (1776): all people have opportunity/ are equal—sense of freedom from oppressive force • Westward Expansion– opportunity to own land for cheap (1800s) • Opportunities for immigrants to America • Racial equality (MLK—1900s) • Ownership—homes, cars, land, objects, etc. represents wealth/success • TODAY? A Changing Dream

  7. Pursuit of material prosperity • Beyond grasp of working poor • Should focus less on $/ more on living simple, fulfilling life Criticism/ Downfalls

  8. Main Reading Materials • “The Declaration of Independence” • From The Autobiography pp 166-170 Benjamin Franklin • The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald • Sports Illustrated article “How to Become An American” (Enrichment) Unit Outline

  9. Major • American Dream Test (literature-based) • American Dream Portfolio (writing/analysis) • Socratic Seminar (thinking/discussion) Minor • Daily Reading Quizzes/ Journal entries • Participation (discussion, activities, writing workshops) • Writing Exercises/ rough drafts Unit Assessments

  10. Persuasive Writing: Is the American Dream Dead? • Narrative Writing: The American Dream Today • Analytical Writing: Article Review • Group Presentation: Dream for a Better America American Dream Project

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