2. ELACC11-12RL9: Demonstrate knowledge of eighteenth-, nineteenth- and early twentieth-century foundational works of American literature, including how two or more texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics. EQ:What is the American Dream? How does the American Dream relate to American literature?

3. On your paper…  When you think of America what do you most associate with our country?  What are some of the positive values, ideas, or qualities associated with America? List at least 5.  What are some of the negative problems, ideas, or issues associated with America? List at least 5.  How has America changed for the better and/or for the worse?

4. [The American dream is] “that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for every man, with opportunity for each according to his ability or achievement.“ --coined in 1931 by J.T. Adams in The Epic of America The American Dream

5. Other definitions  The notion that the American social, economic, and political system makes success possible for every individual  The ideals of freedom, equality, and opportunity traditionally held to be available to every American  A life of personal happiness and material comfort as traditionally sought by individuals in the U.S.

6. Three central ideas  “admiration for America as a new Eden, a land of beauty, bounty, and unlimited promise.”  “optimism” a belief in “progress…life keeps getting better and moving toward an era of prosperity, justice, and joy that always SEEMS just around the corner.”  “The importance and ultimate triumph of the individual—the independent, self-reliant person.”

7. Family Focus  Part of the American Dream is for your children to have a better life than you which will be then be passed down to future generations. With your 2 0’clock partner, discuss for 2 minutes:  How does this happen?  What must one generation do to help the next become “better off”?  What must they earn, accumulate, or accomplish to become “better off”?

8. How has the American Dream evolved?  Puritans/Colonial period  Revolutionary Period  Romanticism/Transcendentalism  Realism/Naturalism  Modernism

9.  http://www.online-stopwatch.com/ http://www.online-stopwatch.com/

10. Modernism  1914-1945  An artistic movement that rejected traditional forms and emphasize bold, new ways of expression  This time period is often associated with a loss of faith in traditional values and beliefs including the American Dream  Why???

11. What was going on 1914-1945?  World War I: The Great War (US joined in 1917)  The Roaring Twenties  The Great Depression  The New Deal  World War II  See timeline pages 692-701

13. The American Dream REVISED  How do you define the American Dream now?  What might be some “required” evidence of a life that meets the above descriptions?  How has the American Dream changed?  How has the American Dream remained the same?  What forces might shape it in the future?  Construct a 100 word response that answers these questions.