Sources
Of Mice and Men (Mandatory)
The Grapes of Wrath (Selection on your schedule)
The Grapes of Wrath Film
Franklin
Swift
Cadillac Commercial
One image (mandatory--see below)
Protest Song
This Land
Colbert--Class Warfare
Interview
Current Event Article
Introduction
Fredrick Douglass said that people who fight for change see the world for what it is but also see the world for what it ought to be. In other words, we must first realize the IS: that an injustice is taking place, that a problem or need exists before we can explore the OUGHT: the possibility for greatness. In terms of the American Dream, this possibility is idealized as a “the city upon a hill,” the opportunity for all the reach their potential, to, as John Truslow Adams' wrote, "dream of a better, richer, and happier life for all our citizens of every rank which is the greatest contribution we can make to the thought and welfare of the world." It was not a new thing, this abiding belief that tomorrow would be better than today. "That dream or hope," Adams notes, "has been present from the start.
Assignment
Read the following sources carefully. Note how each addresses the IS and the OUGHT of the American Dream. Then, in an essay that synthesizes six of the sources for support, explain what the American Dream OUGHT to be and argue what extent we have a responsibility to ensure that all Americans have the opportunity to achieve it.
Omaha Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, age, genetic information, citizenship status, or economic status in its programs, activities and employment and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individual has been designated to address inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Superintendent of Schools, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131 (531-299-9822).
Las Escuelas Públicas de Omaha no discriminan basados en la raza, color, origen nacional, religión, sexo, estado civil, orientación sexual, discapacidad , edad, información genética, estado de ciudadanía, o estado económico, en sus programas, actividades y empleo, y provee acceso equitativo a los “Boy Scouts” y a otros grupos juveniles designados. La siguiente persona ha sido designada para atender estas inquietudes referentes a las pólizas de no discriminación: El Superintendente de las Escuelas, 3215 Cuming Street, Omaha, NE 68131 (531-299-9822).