Please select the following link to see the course's essential questions and goals: EssentialQuestions.docx

Essential Questions

What are different perspectives on the American Dream and how have they evolved?

Does the American Dream make people's lives better or worse?

Week One:

From the late 1800s to early 1900s many immigrants come to the United States in search of the American Dream. To what extent did the reality of America live up to their expectations?

Does hard work guarantee success?

Week Two:

Does hard work guarantee success?

Is there a “glass ceiling” on the American Dream?

Week Three:

How have politicians and corporations used the American Dream as a tool to their benefit?

Goals

1.Students will be able to contextualize the American Dream in relation to the trends and themes of history (e.g. immigration, haves/have nots, consumerism, etc)

2. Students will be able to analyze and question a document, using the skills of sourcing, contextualization, close reading, and corroboration.

3. Students will understand how an "American" identity is constructed through inclusion and exclusion.

4. Students will recognize connections and transitions as well as causes and effects between relevant historical events. Students will comprehend that events in history are not isolated.

5. Students will realize that history is experienced on an individual level and that they too have a voice in history.

6. Students will understand why the different perspectives of history exist and how none are inherently correct or true.