True research happens when people have questions that are difficult to answer.

Difficult Questions to answer require A lot of thought, Searching out information, Considering differing points of view.

“Once you have learned how to ask relevant and appropriate questions, you have learned how to learn,

and no one can keep you from learning whatever you want or need to know.” Neil Postman and Charles Weingartner Teaching as a Subversive Activity

Research is NOT a report on a subject. A report is a product.

We will be learning the process of research this year, and you will have a choice of several products to share what you've learned.

As you have studied American literature and history this year, you have been thinking about what it means to be American.

You will select one of the following global questions around which you will center your research.

What really defines an American family? What really defines an American family?

How does America define its role in the world? How does America define its role in the world?

Who and what define women in America? Who and what define women in America?

How do issues of class define us as Americans? How do issues of class define us as Americans?

How much do we need to give up our individualism to live How much do we need to give up our individualism to live in a democracy? in a democracy?

What is the power of place in creating an American identity? What is the power of place in creating an American identity?

How does race matter in America? How does race matter in America?