GUIDING QUESTIONS:

What does an American icon represent?

What can we learn about our values and ideals by studying an American icon?

What impact did the American icon have on American culture?

Reciprocally, how did the culture (through media) shape or construct the icon? (i.e. what was going on at the time that helped elevate this person to icon status)

EXPECTATIONS:

* 8-10 page research paper with correct MLA citations and works cited.

* oral/visual presentation (Power Point)

* 5-12 sources including biographies, Internet sources, films, and documentaries.

WHAT TO DO:

1. Begin by writing down the important images and memories your icon produces when you think of that person or other people think of that person. These ‘initial responses’ will tell you much about the kind of impression your icon has made on the American conscious.

2. Before you research too much, write down what you think the icon represents and try to explain why that person became so famous.

3. Start researching in earnest! You are trying to find quotations and passages that back up your analysis and conclusions (see #2). Look for critics, essayists, professors—any experts in cultural studies and American studies.

4. Your essay will be graded on your ability to answer the four questions above in an organized, smooth essay. Do NOT simply summarize the icon’s life—present important facts and ideas about that person’s life and analyze those facts and ideas.