The West in American Mythology A myth is not just a made-up story about gods and goddesses (that’s just one definition for the term). Myths can also be popular beliefs or traditions that grow up over time around something or someone. These beliefs/traditions embody the ideals and institutions of a society or a segment within society. Some myths are tied to a particular time and place; others, still exist today. Here in the USA, we are surrounded by various American myths (ex. American Exceptionalism). The important thing about this type of myth is what it represents to people (i.e. the symbolism). When we look at myths, we gain a way of finding insight into the mindset of people in the past (something that can be very challenging to do). For this assignment, you (individually) will be examining one aspect of the West as a form of American mythology. Pay attention to my presentation on the Cowboy as an example of what I want you to do (only yours will obviously be much shorter than mine). You will look first at the historical truth about your topic, then look at how it was portrayed/viewed over time. You will attempt to analyze the significance of how your topic came to be mythologized. You will then create a presentation that you will give in class. Below are some sample topics; however, you may suggest a different topic to me if you would like to (you do have to get it approved by me). You cannot do the cowboy myth because I already did it! The West as Virgin Land Specific people: Belle Star, Calamity Jane, Wild Bill Hickock, Annie Oakley, Buffalo Bill, Butch Cassidy, Billy the Kid, Geronimo, Wyatt Earp, Kit Carson, George Custer, "Doc" Holliday, Sitting Bull, Black Bart, Laura Ingalls Wilder Specific inventions/technologies/innovations: railroad, Colt revolver (the “Peacemaker”), Conestoga wagon, stagecoach, twenty-mule teams Western clothing: Levi jeans, cowboy boots, “ten gallon” hat Groups: 49ers, Sooners, Mountain Men, Pony Express, Texas Rangers Places: Dodge City, Deadwood, Abilene Due Dates: 11:59 pm, Tuesday, November 14 — Must submit any electronic presentation materials: images, video (including links), PowerPoint/Prezi, etc. In-class, Wednesday, November 15 — Presentation Day! (sign up for time slot in-class on Monday) Requirements Your presentation needs to be 3-5 minutes long. More than 15 seconds over or under will result in grade penalty. At 30 seconds over, you will be cut off, regardless of where you are in your presentation, and will be graded “as is”. For a 75% or higher, must reach 3 minutes. (However, grade also depends on content, so if the content is terrible, the grade will be terrible no matter how long you speak) For an 93% or higher, must reach 4 minutes. (Again, content matters!) Start by establishing the historical facts pertaining to your topic (what/who it really was, basic bio if its a person, place/time in history, perhaps the significance at the time). Then examine how your topic became mythologized. What meanings were attached to it? How did the story alter over time? What American virtues, values, and/or beliefs did your topic come to represent in people’s minds? How was it depicted differently over time? (For some topics, you could even trace changes in meaning and/or how it was depicted in different decades.) Visuals: 4 total, at minimum. Have at least one image of what your topic really looked like originally (photos or images of artifacts from a museum will probably serve you best). Have at least 3 images (film clips can count as images, but cannot be longer than 30 seconds each) of later depictions/versions of your topic (ex. art, film/television portrayals, comic books, Halloween costumes, clothing, advertisements, products, literary portrayals). Sound clips are also acceptable as a visual (if, for instance, you wanted to play part of a song), but it would be helpful to show the lyrics if you choose to use a song. You are welcome to use more than the required number of visuals, of course. A minimum of 2 minutes has to be you presenting. So, if you give an exactly 3-minute presentation, you cannot use more than 1 minute worth of film clips. You do not have to use PowerPoint. You are free to present in any manner of your choosing, so long as you fulfill the requirements. You have the option of filming your presentation in advance and playing the filmed version instead of giving a live presentation. (Just make sure that your voice is audible and the overall quality of the video is good. If you use any background sound/music, make sure that it does not overpower your voice.) Bonus opportunity: Up to five points for a truly creative/unique approach to the presentation (as long as overall quality is above 85%) How You’ll Be Graded 50 points possible (1/2 of a test grade) Under 3 minutes = grade 3-3:59 minutes = grade 4-5 minutes = capable of Length of Presentation capped at 75% capped at 93% earning an A Quality of Information: Should demonstrate evidence of both thorough Excellent Acceptable Poor research and well-thought- up to 20 points 10 to 15 points 0 to 9 points out analysis Quality of Presentation: Should be professional & prepared, no long pauses, try to limit the “ums,” Excellent Acceptable Poor attempts to be interesting, up to 20 points 10 to 15 points 0 to 9 points should appear that time was spent on this! Visuals: Must have 4 minimum (see directions); should be good quality, well thought 10 points possible (2.5 possible per visual) out and must be actively Possible bonus of up to 2 points for having more than the minimum (if quality used within the is good and visuals are used well) presentation (not just put up on the screen). Creativity Bonus: Only for presentations that are worthy of at least 85%; given if presentation Up to 5 points possible is truly unique/creative in its approach.