that addresses whether or not the American Dream is feasible

Directions: Over the course of the semester, students have examined the various literary and historical movements that affect the ways in which the individual views the American Dream and evaluated the ability for various individuals to achieve this iconic and highly fantasized dream. Students will write a 3-5 page analysis paper that addresses whether or not the American Dream is feasible using support from both fictional and informational texts read over the course of the semester to support assertion.

The following must be addressed within the paper:

What is necessary for a society to provide an individual so that he/she can establish an identity that supports the fundamental principles of the right to “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness”?
Who determines what the ideal goal(s) of a society and the individuals that comprise it must strive for?
Examine possible affects on individuals within a society that are driven/encouraged by society to meet these various ideal goals.
If a society has ideal goals for its citizens, should it be possible for all citizens to achieve these idealistic goals? Explain.

Requirements:

· MLA formatting and citations (in text citations and a works cited) must be used.

· Students must use evidence from at least 1 poem, 1 fictional text, and 1 nonfiction text read throughout the semester in order to support assertions.

o Students must use direct quotes from the texts to support assertions using proper MLA in text citations.

o If students also paraphrase concepts the ideas must use proper MLA citations of paraphrased material.

· Students must submit thesis to teacher and get it approved before writing paper.

o Teacher may ask student to revise before beginning paper.

· Student will submit an outline of how the paper will be developed once thesis is approved before writing paper.

o Outline must be approved before writing paper.

§ Remember, an outline provides direction for what will be covered and how you will develop your ideas but does not do any development.