Description
Watch the documentary “Foreigners in Their Own Land and create a 2-3 paragraph letter, journal entry, or monologue. The role-play and research must focus on topics and themes found in U.S. History (chapters 10 and 11), Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States, chapter 7 (As Long as Grass Grows or Water Runs), and chapter 8 (We Take Nothing by Conquest, Thank God). SECTION I (Make sure you include all parts of Section I in the written assignment) 1. Background information on your character and a specific date. (1 paragraph, 5 pts) 2. Sources utilized for the role play. (2-3 paragraphs, 20 points) You may use the course required text, lectures, videos, or any type of source for this assignment. Utilize in-text citations (means introduce the source and tell the reader where to find the source/website). In this section, provide a written narrative that describes the sources and tells me where you got your information. 3. Commentary on sources. (1 paragraph, 5 pts) What did you find most interesting/striking/surprising about the research? 4. Letter, journal entry, or monolog. (2-3 paragraphs, 20 points) Include historical events and how your character has been influenced by these events. Also include thoughts, feelings and opinions about cultural, economic, or political trends occurring during this time period. SECTION II – SELECT ONE ROLE FROM BELOW 1. You are a Native American Indian (select a tribe or people based on the readings – male or female) trying to adapt to White American encroachment on your land and territory. What are you concerns? How has your life changed? 2. You are a White American soldier fighting in the Mexican-American War. Write a letter home to your wife or mother. Why do you fight? Describe your everyday life as a soldier. Describe a battle scene and the aftermath. 3. You are a White American protesting against the Mexican American War. Why do you protest and what specific actions will you take? 4. You are a Mexican soldier fighting the American invasion of Mexico. Why do you fight? Describe your everyday life as a soldier. Describe a battle scene and the aftermath. 5. You are the wife or mother of a soldier fighting in the war. Make sure you specify which side you support. Write a letter to your husband or son about what you are hearing about the Mexican-American War. 6. You are a Tejano in Texas during the 1830s or 1840s. What is happening in your community and what are your thoughts on the Texas Revolution and the Republic of Texas. 7. You are a person of Mexican/Spanish ancestry in California, New Mexico, or Texas during the 1840s or 1850s. What is happening in your community after the Mexican-American War. 8. Create your own character focused on Westward Movement, 1800-1860. This is an assignment to incorporate different sources of information in a creative and research-based assignment. In addition, post in 11.5 Role Play Assignment Discussions to share with other students for 5 points extra credit.
