Assignment #2: Thematic Photo Comparison

BACKGROUND:  Welcome to a Photo Analysis weblog for US History. This weblog is designed to draw in assorted comments, information, analysis, and data relating to a simple focus question:

How has "The American Dream" been different for different groups of Americans?

This weblog (or "blog" for short) is designed to be your personal and yet very public place to assimilate your deepest thoughtful analysis, assessment of data, and fact-based opinion.

All arguments and opinions will be accessible to not only myself and your peers but also to possibly others around the world who might "pop in" and comment. This is designed to allow you, in a single paragraph to show your talents as a critical-thinking and insightful historian. Do your best and learn from others as well.

Also be sure when you have FINALLY decided (and that may be in a few weeks when you can read what others wrote) to cast your vote in the poll.

Some safety tips to remember:

• Select Name/URL when you comment...  ignore the URL
• Use only first names and last initials.
• Never publish personal identifiers about yourself or others.
• Do not post personal information, personal pictures, or inappropriate material.
• Any problems in your blogs, whether technical or content related, should be communicated to your teacher immediately.
• Follow all school policies regarding behavior, language and appropriateness at all times.

The task is now before you as a historical learning community.  You have accumulated data in classes and on your own which should allow you ample evidence to support your claims.  You have analyzed thoughts the causes and events of U.S. History up to this point as well. You even have 16+ years of experience (your own) to reflect upon.

ASSIGNMENT:   In a (1) concise and logical paragraph for each pair of pictures, post a comment reflecting on "The American Dream" as a central "pull factor" to American growth.  Do this by clicking on COMMENT, selecting "Name/URL" from the dropdown menu, and typing in your first name and last initial ONLY (ignore the URL), and typing your response in the space provided.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Your comments NEED to be in-depth and not simply wasted space.
• The more thought and analysis you put in, the more credit you will GAIN.
• The more space you truly waste (not "use" - I said "waste"), the more credit you will LOSE.

The blog below will focus you a bit more. Don't forget you can copy/paste, add website links to images, other blogs, websites, pictures. Have fun and make this "blog" a model for future classes to emulate! I look forward to reading your postings!

1. LOOK at the pictures and accompanying questions carefully. The questions with each picture are designed to have you examine the same question but through different lenses.
2. HUMANIZE this assignment.  Take time to REALLY examine the photographs and use details from them to support your answer.
3. AVOID/ELIMINATE "I feel", "I believe", and such in your statements as they are redundant. Banish them from your writing forever!
4. REMEMBER to not include your last name in any post.  If you think/know someone has the same name under the "First name/last initial" formula, use first name and first 2 letters of last name.
5. LASTLY, be considerate of others, follow all school rules of appropriate behavior, and seek to learn more from others (particularly those with whom you do not agree). This can be a sensitive topic - treat it accordingly.