Forrest Gump For the next few days, we will watch the movie, Forrest Gump. This movie follows a fictional character who seems to end up interacting with, and sometimes even influencing, minor and major historical events In this assignment, you will use Forrest Gump to explore the question of whether art, entertainment, and fiction can teach us about history, and if so, how.

The Presentation As we watch the video, please use the worksheet, or your own personal notes, to keep track of some of the parts of the video that you recognize as historical events from our study of the United States after World War II. When we are finished, you will: Choose one or more of the historical events, people, or phenomena with which Forrest interacts Research the event Create an oral presentation on the event

Oral Presentation Your oral presentation should do the following things: Give a short summary of the event, person, or phenomenon in the film Determine the accuracy of the film’s portrayal of the event (besides Forrest’s role in it), and provide historical evidence to support what you’re saying Is this event/person/phenomenon accurately portrayed? Yes/No/In- between Evaluate this movie as a teaching tool for history Is this movie worthwhile in teaching history? If so, how could you use it? If not, why not? Evaluate if, and how, we can use all art, entertainment, and fiction to teach people about history

Oral Presentation The length of your oral presentation is entirely up to your discretion. What I will look for : Your presentation fully develops all of the ideas and parts that are necessary (it’s “long” enough) Your presentation uses all time efficiently and shows evidence of planning and practice (it’s not too “long”) As with any time we present things, base your oral presentation around: An introduction A body (the main part) A conclusion

Argument Logic – 12 PointsExcellent – 6-5 pointsGood – 4-3 pointsPoor – 2-0 points Logic argues major points and avoids logical gaps Virtually no gaps exist in the presentation’s logic Some minor gaps and questions may exist in the presentation’s logic The presentation’s arguments make little or no logical sense Evidence used is appropriate, strong, and supports the main thesis strongly All information used strongly supports the main thesis Most information used strongly supports the main thesis Most of the information in the paper is weak and does not support the main thesis Presentation Technique and Structure – 18 Points Excellent – 6-5 pointsGood – 4-3 pointsPoor – 2-0 points Presentation materials support the main ideas of the speakers Materials are excellently presented, and strongly support the arguments made Almost all materials are well presented, although there may be some small errors that do not support the main presentation Few or no useful materials are presented to support the arguments made, or the materials presented do not work to support the main argument Speakers use oral presentation techniques (good use of voice, eye- contact, body language) to engage the audience and support their argument. Speakers use excellent speaking techniques to engage the audience and support their argument Speakers may have some small errors in speaking, or may not fully use techniques to engage the audience and support their argument Speakers have numerous errors in speaking, and use few, if any, speaking techniques to engage their audience and support their argument Speakers use good presentation mechanics (evidence of preparation, smooth transitions, good use of time, introduction and conclusion) Speakers use excellent presentation mechanics with no noticeable errors Speakers use mostly good presentation mechanics, but may show lack of preparation, may struggle with transitions, or may have weak introductions or conclusions Speakers show poor presentation techniques – there is little evidence of preparation, transitions are rough, or the introduction and conclusion may not further the argument Powerpoint Technique (if applicable) – 18 Points Excellent – 6-5 pointsGood – 4-3 pointsPoor – 2-0 points Presenters elaborate or give more information from the points on the slides Presenters are able to give much information outside of the main points of the slides Presenters elaborate on the points of their slides occasionally Presenters only provide information clearly listed on the slide Powerpoint “points” are succinct and powerful Points are succinct and powerful Some points are too long to be practical, but overall they are quickly and easily read Points are long – “Powerparagraph” instead of “Powerpoint” Powerpoint fonts, backgrounds, pictures, etc., are easily readable, and do not detract from the presentation All slides are very neat, easy to read, and support the presentation Most slides are neat, easy to read, and support the presentation Because of font, color, background, and picture choice, the Powerpoint presentation is difficult to read easily Use of Planning and Work TimeWorking Effectively With a Partner Students are expected to use all time allotted for the project efficiently. Failure to do so will result in points deducted at the teacher’s discretion. If two people choose to work as partners, their work should reflect the efforts and hard work of two people, and should also show excellent cooperation. Failure to do so will result in points deducted at the teacher’s discretion.