YESTERDAY (Tuesday, Sept. 29):  Short Fiction Test
Make arrangements with me ASAP if you missed the test.

TODAY
I introduced the American Dream Reflection assignment--we went over the outline of this assignment so that you could start thinking about it. A hard copy of the assignment with additional information and formatting requirements will be provided tomorrow.  You will have time in the Computer Lab next Monday to work on it, and it will be due on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

The American Dream—And YOURS

This is not an “essay” but rather two extended paragraphs that provide different perspectives on “the American Dream.”  Each part will have 200-250 words.

Part 1 (You’ll give it your own title)

•  at least ONE and optionally TWO definitions of the American Dream—include source in the sentence or in parentheses [formal MLA citation not required]
•  commentary from you that develops what that might mean in the United States today. 
• OPINION is expected here—how valid, workable, possible is this definition today?  Is it what we all should demand/expect?  Or is it too idealistic?
• BUT—you won’t use the word “I” in this section; except for the quote, what you say is expected to be opinion.

 Part 2 (This will also have your own title)

• This section will be what your own personal “American Dream” is at this point in your life.
• How do you see yourself as part of the big picture, and the traditional view?
•  Even if you think the usual definitions are not accurate or possible, you surely have some hopes or expectations for yourself and for your future.
• Describe those personal hopes and dreams.
• This section will definitely include the word "I."

Also in class today--

We began the actual literature of the period from the beginning of written literature in America  to 1750. 

Anne Bradstreet, "On the Burning of Our House" (pp. 15-18)  [poem]

Main points--

Universality (not of having your house burn down, but of having to cope with unfortunate circumstances).  

How does her reaction reflect her Puritan background?

Simple fact that this was a female writer--one of the few we know of from that time period in America!