Assessment - "When the Levees Broke"

Due Date: January 7, 2010.

Over the last few weeks, we have viewed the film When the Levees Broke. During that time, we have had many thoughtful and meaningful discussions. For what it is worth, Katrina caused America to take pause and challenged our government's values.

Now the time has come to assess what you've learned from this experience. This is a MAJOR assessment piece.

What do I have to do?

You are going to write a five (5) page essay, based on the questions below. Note that the essay does not have to answer the questions in any sort of order. It has to reflect your thoughts on these questions. These are questions that we have explored in nearly every class session since the first day of school. Use these questions to guide your writing...

What does it mean to be a citizen?

What type of citizen are you?

What is the role of government?

Should the federal government help the less fortunate or provide a safe atmosphere to allow people to become fortunate?

In what areas was the government successful?

In what areas did each level of government fail?

What were the major reasons behind the government's success or failure?

Obviously, the government made some mistakes, but have we learned from the mistakes?

In the aftermath of Katrina were decisions made based on race? class? Or need?

Now that we have all seen the Spike Lee documentary what is our responsibility to our fellow citizens?

Have your ideas about the responsibilities of government changed as a result of seeing this film? Why, or why not?

Sources/Research: It is expected that you will provide at least two sources besides the movie for your information. The teaching guide which I shared with you previously would be a great place to start, particularly the section entitled "What Does it Mean to Be a Citizen?"

Requirements: Your essay must

1. Be typed, and printed in BLACK INK ONLY. Sorry, no Google Docs, or emailing files. We're going "Old School" here.

2. Use a Font Size that may be NO LARGER THAN 12 point. Please use "business" style fonts.

3. Be Spell and Grammar checked.

4. Contains a bibliography, listing all sources used. You must cite any direct quotes that you use from a source in the proper manner.

Please note that if your essay fails to meet any of the above conventions, it will not be accepted.

Here is a copy of the RUBRIC which will be used to evaluate your paper.

Deadline: January 7, 2010. Any essay turned in late will be subject to the following:

Turned in January 8: Reduction of 10%

Turned in January 11: Reduction of 25%

Any assignment turned in past January 11 will be given a grade of 'F'

Failure to submit any assignment will automatically result in a grade of "incomplete."

FYI - When the Levees Broke is available on iTunes. You can purchase and download.