Sequence V: American Identity
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English 100 · A. Beaudin, Instructor.
Reminder: For each reading from Rereading America, compose an annotated works cited entry.
Monday, December 1, 2003: Visual Portfolio: Reading Images of the Frontier Thomas Jefferson, from “Notes on the State of Virginia” Wednesday, December 3, 2003: Donald Worster, “Freedom and Want: The Western Paradox” Stephanie Brail, “The Price of Admission: Harassment and Free Speech in the Wild, Wild West” (media selection) Monday, December 8, 2003: LS: What do you think is promoted in society as the most important “facet” of American identity and why? What is most important to you in terms of the American identity?
Langston Hughes, “Let America Be America
Again” Eric Marcus, “The Bridge Builder: Kathleen Boatwright” Wednesday December 10, 2003: Course Evaluations Constructing the “Two Voices” Essay: You will present two differing (though not necessarily opposite) views/definitions of the American Identity, supporting your views/definitions with citations from each of the texts read in this sequence PLUS AT LEAST two other texts from Rereading America that we’ve analyzed this semester. You are also welcomed to include other texts (song lyrics, poems, articles, and the like) in your analysis as additional sources, as long as the sources are correctly documented in accordance with MLA. Final Exam Review In the song “Me and Bobby McGee,” Janis Joplin sings that “Freedom is another word for nothing left to lose.” Our final sequence in this class addresses the notion of freedom in American society. In addition to the essays in Rereading America, consider and critique the following works. Answer the following and report: o What is the definition of freedom within this work? (in other words, what view of freedom is the author working from?) o What is the assumption? What overturns that assumption? o Do you think that this definition is active or reactive? o From the reading, how would individual rights and societal rights be defined? The Project Gutenberg Etext of The Declaration of Independence / http://sailor.gutenberg.org/etext90/when12h.htm 12/01/03 December, 1972 [Etext #2] The Project Gutenberg Etext of The U. S. Bill of Rights / http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/etext90/bill11h.htm “Redemption Song” Words by Bob Marley from the 1980 LP Uprising; re-released in 1980 Legend (Island Records)
Old pirates yes they rob I Sold I to the merchant ships Minutes after they took I from the Bottom less pit But my hand was made strong By the hand of the almighty We forward in this generation triumphantly All I ever had is songs of freedom Won't you help to sing these songs of freedom Cause all I ever had redemption songs, redemption songs Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery None but ourselves can free our minds Have no fear for atomic energy Cause none of them can stop the time How long shall they kill our prophets While we stand aside and look Some say it's just a part of it We've got to fulfill the book Won't you help to sing, these songs of freedom Cause all I ever had, redemption songs, redemption songs, redemption songs Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery None but ourselves can free our minds Have no fear for atomic energy Cause none of them can stop the time How long shall they kill our prophets While we stand aside and look Yes some say it's just part of it We've got to fulfill the book Won't you help to sing, these songs of freedom Cause all I ever had, redemption songs All I ever had, redemption songs These songs of freedom, songs of freedom |