A Dream Rooted in Democracy – Poetry Project
During 11th grade English, you have been introduced to a variety of groups of people from the American experience. You have read works from the rigid lives of the Puritans to the improvisational writers of the Harlem Renaissance. Each group of people we have studied has nurtured our understanding of the American dream – a dream that continues to take shape.
Today you will begin writing your own "democratic" poem about a particular group of people from your own experience, using your own form or one borrowed from Whitman (for example, "I hear the athletes practicing / the relay anchor with his wind sprints / the soccer midfielder…). You will have the remainder of the class today to write your first draft. Tomorrow, you will work on your second draft and meet with me to discuss the direction of your work.
If you are struggling to find inspiration, you may want to visit www.FerrebeeEnglish.wikispaces.com/americandream, where you will find examples of more contemporary poets that have found inspiration from Whitman’s interest in everyday people.
Your work in this course will culminate in a recording of your poem in which you will demonstrate your ability to recite poetry using Audacity to record your ever-improving public voice.
Your project will be graded on the following criteria:
Poem: ____ / 25
Substantial work in revision 1 2 3 4 5
Interesting range of diction 1 2 3 4 5
Well-chosen line-breaks 1 2 3 4 5
Good title 1 2 3 4 5
Takes risks 1 2 3 4 5
Poem Recitation: _____ / 25
Appropriate changes in volume 1 2 3 4 5
Appropriate changes in emphasis 1 2 3 4 5
Appropriate changes in speed 1 2 3 4 5
Pauses to communicate meaning 1 2 3 4 5
Good work ethic during recording 1 2 3 4 5