'Make a Thing' - American Dream Extravaganza

American Dream

This post will be continually updated throughout the month as we get new documents for our Synthesis project. While highly variable in perspective, genre, or time period--all of the documents represent thoughtful examinations of what will, has, or can make this country a unique and great place. This is an important question to grapple with, as a current citizen, and future voter in the U.S. Additionally, the thoughts you develop in this project are statistically likely to prove relevant as outside sources on the AP Exam (Lang & APUSH). Finally, it will segue nicely into AP Government next year.

You will be synthesizing at least three of these documents into a project which argues a clear position on whether the American Dream is still a relevant ideal or how it might potentially need alteration to meet the needs of a changing modern world.

Official Assignment Guidelines

• Assignment Sheet + Rubric

Documents/Sources

1. The Great Gatsby (Fitzgerald)
2. Pursuing the American Dream in the 21st Century (Jillson)
3. A Model of Christian Charity (Winthrop)
4. Notes on the State of Virginia (Jefferson)
5. Letter From Birmingham Jail (MLK)
6. Doonesbury: A Banker's Progress (Trudeau)
7. Mystery Presidents (Presidents)
8. Daniel
9. Columnist (optional, depending on relevance)

Gatsby Party Discussion Questions

Here are the questions I placed on all the tables at the Gatsby Party, as well as the note-taking sheet. 

• Table 1
• Table 2
• Table 3
• Table 4
• Table 5
• Table 6
• Table 7
• Table 8
• Table 9
• Table 10
• Table 11
• Table 12
• Note-taking Sheet

Photos Gallery

Did you get any great photos from the Gatsby Party? I didn't get a chance to take very many myself. So I made a public Google Photos gallery with my own photos, but I've left it open for all of you to share your own photos as well. I love looking back at these long after you've graduated, so anything you share is so greatly appreciated!

The Atlantic & College Board Writing Prize

Submission window: Jan. 1–Feb. 28, 2016

From the College Board Site:

The Atlantic & College Board Writing Prize returns for its second year! This time, we’re looking for exceptional high school student essays that insightfully analyze and interpret a meaningful work of art.

Our understanding of the human experience is enhanced by the study of significant historical artifacts. When we interact with art — when we learn about it, think about it, write and talk about it — we participate in a larger, ongoing conversation about culture and society. The 2016 Writing Prize contest invites you to be part of this conversation.

Your essay should share your perspective on the artwork you choose to write about, and it should also include evidence that backs up your conclusions. We’re looking for writing that is both interesting and instructive, and that clearly communicates your experience with the artwork and your views on it.

Essays should be between 1,000 and 1,500 words and can be submitted from Jan. 1 to Feb. 28, 2016. You’ll need to ask a teacher-sponsor to approve and submit your essay; see How to Enter for more on that. We’ll select one student winner who will earn a $5,000 prize and have his or her essay published in the September 2016 issue of The Atlantic.