English+12

= = Hero Project

Research Project
Using the list compiled by //Time// magazine, select one American icon of the 20th century about whom you would like to know more. This person will eventually become the subject of a poem or rap you will compose in his or her honor. You will conduct a brief investigation of this subject to include the following: You will be evaluated for completeness, documentation form, originality of interview questions, reasoning and, of course, clarity of written expression. Once you have completed the research project, you are to write a tribute poem or rap about the individual.
 * 1)  Read the Time Magazine article about your subject. Take notes about his/her accomplishments, challenges, contributions to public life, background, and lifestyle.
 * 2)  Locate a second source and add any additional information noted there.
 * 3)  Interview two (2) people to learn their reactions to your subject. Try to select people from your subject’s generation or who have strong opinions about the subject’s contribution to American life. Write out your interview questions and the responses you received. Please include the names of the individuals interviewed and their signatures.
 * 4)  In a three paragraph essay, explain why you have selected this individual for tribute and what you believe to be his or her contribution to American culture and values. What is his/her legacy?

Evaluation for poem/rap assignment

 * 1) Subject: Is subject appropriate to the tribute? Does he/she personify cultural values? Is there sufficient information to chronicle the subject’s accomplishments? Challenges? Legacy?
 * 2) Style: Is there evidence of the use of literary devices such as kenning, appositive phrases, personification, metaphor, simile; imagery, hyperbole? Is the rhythm of the poem/rap regular? Is there use of rhyme? Refrain?
 * 3) Creativity: Has the author/artist enhanced the piece with background (music, sound effects)? Are the phrases, comparisons, descriptions original or trite? Is the approach unique?
 * 4) Unity: Does the piece “hang together”? Is there a clear beginning, middle, end?
 * 5) Mechanics and expression: Is the selection free of: grammatical errors, spelling errors, unclear references or inappropriate word choice or usage?