Class Research Projects
1920s Project - US II
1920s Project - US II
About:
Welcome to the 20s–the 1920s! This decade, also known as the “Roaring Twenties” was one of the most exciting decades in United States history. Or was it? While the decade was marked by new technologies, economic growth, and a cultural efflorescence, this was also the decade of the first Red Scare, rabid xenophobia, and a sharp increase in racism and violence against the African American community. From whatever vantage point one views the 1920s, the decade shaped our culture, politics, and economy unlike any other. You will delve into ONE aspect of the 1920s that you are interested in learning about and create an original project that can be presented in class as we examine this exciting and controversial time period together.
Where to find information:
- Christopher Newport University has an amazing libguide with almost everything you need for this project!
- Library of Congress - Women’s Fashion 1921-1940
- Ford Corporate - Model T
- Here are some examples of short stories and poems from the 1920s: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Weary Blues (1925), and a collection of short stories from 1920.
AP Art History
English - A Flawed Society (Shaw)
Argumentative Essay / Research Project
A Flawed Society
Fitzgerald used The Great Gatsby to criticize the materialism that ran rampant in his society, which was accompanied by a steep decline in morality as well as significant destruction of the environment. Now, ninety-nine years after the novel’s publication, many would argue that the problems Fitzgerald conveyed continue to plague America.
Write an argumentative essay in response to the following question:
What is one aspect of American society in 2024 that needs to change, and why does it need to change?
YOU MUST DISCUSS AN ASPECT OF AMERICAN SOCIETY THAT FITZGERALD CRITICIZES IN HIS NOVEL.
Guidelines for the essay:
- Introduction paragraph (hook, relevant background information, thesis statement)
- Body paragraph #1: First supporting argument (supported by information from research)
- Body paragraph #2: Second supporting argument (supported by information from research)
- Body paragraph #3: Counterargument + rebuttal (supported by information from research)
- Conclusion paragraph (restated thesis, call to action, final statement that refers to the hook)
- You must include a total of at least four pieces of information from research in body paragraphs 1 and 2.
- You must include at least one piece of information from research in body paragraph 3.
- Make sure to include both paraphrased and quoted information. (At least two pieces of information must be paraphrased, and at least two pieces of information must be quoted.) Follow all guidelines for paraphrasing without plagiarizing. Follow all guidelines for quotation integration.
- If you use information from research to provide background information in the introduction, don’t forget to cite it.
- When you create your Works Cited page, only include sources that you cited within the paper.
Where to find your research:
English Honors - Poetry Project (Stoto)
- Select a new poem of your choice written by one of the following American poets: Dickinson, Whitman, Frost, Sandburg, or any Harlem Renaissance poet
- You should use Poetry Foundation to find your poem
- Analyze the poem using the Poetry Analysis Worksheet
- Include ONE piece of literary criticism in your analysis (use a database to locate your article of literary criticism)
- Be sure to address BOTH the form and content of the poem
REQUIREMENTS:
- Your analysis must be in MLA format (double spaced, Times New Roman 12, with a proper heading)
- Include a Works Cited page with BOTH your poem and the article of literary criticism
- You must address each point on the Poetry Analysis Worksheet
- Number each response
- Include a copy of BOTH the poem AND article of literary criticism with your work
- Gale Literature Criticism (password: cougars)
- Infobase (Bloom's Literature) - (Cranford/ cougars)
- Jstor
Media Bias Chart
