Modern Obstacles to Achieving the “American Dream”

: Modern Obstacles to Achieving the “American Dream” Many of the novels and plays we are reading this year have to do with characters who are striving to achieve their personal version of the “American Dream.” Attaining the American Dream involves MUCH more than just access to money. A definition of success is based on the individual, and obstacles, such as family issues, personal demons, racism, sexism, prejudices, poverty, etc. may limit achieving that success. This paper will explore these obstacles. Requirements Sources: You must use at least one primary and at least one secondary source in developing your paper. You must submit a brainstorming, thesis statement, outline, rough draft, self-evaluation, peer response, and works cited page. Some of your evidence must show an opposing viewpoint. Page length: 2 – 5 typed pages double-spaced, exclusive of the Works Cited page Margins: One-inch margins Font: 12-point font New Times Roman, black ink Format: MLA (refer to Hacker book) Steps 1. Discovery phase: choosing a topic- 10 pts Due date: 9/9 Brainstorming: In order to start thinking about your assignment, you need to FIRST complete the following brainstorming tasks: 1.) What does the “American Dream” encompass today? Is the “dream” only financial stability (and what does that mean) or is it more than that like having the perfect family? (Write a full paragraph response) 2.) What is your PERSONAL version of the “American Dream”? (Write a full paragraph response) 3.) What are some obstacles that individuals pose to their own attainment of the American Dream? (Create a list) 4.) What are those obstacles created by society that individuals must overcome to achieve success? (Create a list) Selecting a topic: Once you have gone through this brainstorming process, now you are ready to select a topic. Go through your brainstorming lists of individual and societal obstacles to the achieving the American Dream and select one of INTEREST to you. You will be spending quite a lot of time with this project, so make sure your topic is INTERESTING and MEANINGFUL to you. 3. Pre-writing- 20 points Due date: 9/20 CREATING AN OUTLINE: ? The more detailed your outline is, the easier your paper will be to write. ? Your outline should at the very least include the following: ? A breakdown of paragraphs in the essay ? Your thesis statement ? The argument for each body paragraph (remember, because this is a longer essay, you will probably have more than 3 arguments to support your thesis). ? For each argument: the evidence from the research to support your argument ? For each argument: an explanation of how the research supports your argument ? For each argument: possible counter-arguments that might come up against your argument and how you would defend your argument. 4. A Working Works Cited page- 10 points