ESSAY I:  TELLING THE STORY OF THE AMERICAN DREAM
 

Essay I Assignment Sequence
Date Homework Due In-Class Work
Day 1
Jan. 11
  Take reading validation test.
Day 2
Jan. 17
Read the first part of Colin Powell's speech to the Republican Convention this summer and this brief Horatio Alger biography of him.  Then check out some rather different sources:  Nowar Collective, Worldworks, and Consortium.  And find one source on your own.  (Do a search typing in "Colin Powell" and "American Dream" together.)  Write no more than 500 words on what you noticed about how differently Colin Powell's story is told.  What can you speculate might account for these differences?  What different attitudes might they reveal about the American Dream? Take essay validation test.  Freewrite on what the American Dream is.
Day 3
Jan. 19
I. In Speculations, read "Two Kinds" (page 9), an excerpt from Amy Tan's novel, Joy Luck Club.  Do a freewrite in response to the story (about a page).  Then write about (1) how the mother understands the American Dream and (2) how her conception of it affects her relationship with her daughter.  II. List a few possible stories you could write about from your experience, observation, or potential interview that relate to the American Dream.  E-mail me both parts of this assignment in one message, putting "Tan" and "story idea" in subject line. 9:00 class meets.  1:00 class goes to Special Service of Remembrance and Hope in Walsh Gymnasium.  

(Discuss "Two Kinds" in relation to the American Dream.  Discuss the various versions of Colin Powell stories there are.)

Day 4
Jan. 22
I. Read Kozol's "Rachel and Her Children" (Speculations, 34).  Freewrite in response to it, but especially discuss what you think Kozol's point is in writing this.  What point, if any, do you see in Rachel's story?  II.  Collect information to write story (interview, notes from memory, etc.).  E-mail me both parts of this assignment in one message, putting "Kozol" and "story information" in subject line. Discuss Kozol's essay.  Begin reading "The Lesson" in class.
Day 5
Jan. 24
I. Read Bambara's "The Lesson."  Freewrite in response.  At some point discuss whether or not you think Miss Moore, the narrator, or the author believes in the American Dream.  II. Read the Colin Powell biography handout and identify the key elements in the plot of the America-Dream story line.  E-mail homework.  Bring laptop! Discuss "The Lesson."  Discuss the shape that your story may take.
Day 6
Jan. 26
I. Read Bing's interview (Speculations 53) and freewrite.  Notice that Tee brings up the American Dream.  In what ways is the American Dream the same/different for these gang members?  II. Write a rough version of your American Dream story.  E-mail homework.  Bring laptop. Enter stories in Learning Space and do peer response.
Day 7
Jan. 29
First draft, Essay I, with metatext.  Submit in Learning Space or e-mail it.  Check out this website to see what difference carefully chosen details can make. Respond to drafts in full-class and individually in Learning Space setting.  Discuss Bing interview.
Day 8
Jan. 31
Work on revision of Essay I.  Find and bring in one article/comic strip/editorial/ ad/whatever that in some way alludes to the American Dream. Continue response and revision work for Essay I. 
Day 9
Feb. 2
Second draft, Essay I, with new metatext.  Enter in Learning Space. Editing workshop.
Day 10
Feb. 5
Final draft, Essay 1, with new metatext.  Print out plus enter in Learning Space. Begin Essay II.