ICONIC AMERICAN IMAGES
Objectives:





Use digital media in presentations to enhance understanding and to add interest. (CCSS.ELALiteracy.SL.11-12.5)
Write for a range of tasks, purposes, and audiences. (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.11-12.10)
Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or
speaking. (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.1)
Synthesize comments, claims, and evidence. (CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.1d)
Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information in order to address a question. (CCSS.ELALiteracy.RH.11-12.7)
Procedures:
Part I: Presentations
You will present a total of two images to the class. One image will be an iconic American image from
the provided list. The second image will be one of your own choosing. You must provide a visual for
the class. Presentations should be about 2 minutes in length. You may work with a partner.
Questions to be answered:




What is it, where is it from, who made it, and what is its purpose?
How or why is it “iconic”? (Why is/was it an important American symbol)
How does it answer either of the following core questions:
o What does the icon say about American identity/culture?
o What is the American dream?
Is it still relevant today? (The one from the list)
You will be assessed on your presentation skills, including:



Preparation
Organization
Clarity
Part II: Written Response
Write a brief paragraph about one icon that you feel might not be seen as iconic by all Americans.
Explain why certain Americans might not feel that it represents the American dream or American
identity.
You will be assessed on your writing skills, including:



Organization
Clarity of your explanation
Use of conventional English mechanics
ICONIC AMERICAN Rubric
Presentation
Preparation
Student does not seem at all
prepared to present.
The student is somewhat prepared,
but it is clear that rehearsal was
lacking.
Student is completely prepared and
has obviously rehearsed.
Some details are not in a logical or
expected order, and this distracts
the reader.
Details are placed in a logical order
and the way they are presented
effectively keeps the interest of the
reader.
Shows a good understanding of
parts of the topic.
Shows a full understanding of the
topic.
Some details are not in a logical or
expected order, and this distracts
the reader.
Details are placed in a logical order
and the way they are presented
effectively keeps the interest of the
reader.
Supporting details and information
are relevant, but several key issues
or portions of the storyline are
unsupported.
Relevant, telling, quality details
give the reader important
information that goes beyond the
obvious or predictable.
Organization
Many details are not in a logical or
expected order. There is little sense
that the writing is organized.
Clarity
Does not seem to understand the
topic very well.
Writing
Organization
Many details are not in a logical or
expected order. There is little sense
that the writing is organized.
Clarity of your explanation
Supporting details and information
are typically unclear or not related
to the topic.
Use of conventional English mechanics
Writer makes multiple errors in
grammar or spelling that distract
the reader from the content.
Writer makes a few errors in
grammar or spelling that distract
the reader from the content.
Writer makes no errors in grammar
or spelling that distract the reader
from the content.
AMERICAN ICONS LIST
Statue of Liberty
Independence Hall
Liberty Bell
Mount Rushmore
Crossing the Delaware painting
Iwo Jima photo
Golden Gate Bridge
American Gothic painting
Norman Rockwell painting
Lincoln Memorial
Jefferson Memorial
Washington Monument
D.C. War Memorials (Choose One)
Ellis Island
Uncle Sam
Migrant Mother photo
Winslow Homer painting
Moon Landing photo
Ford Model T
Rosie the Riveter poster
Thomas Cole painting
Ansel Adams photo
Albert Bierstadt painting
Frederic Remington sculpture
Edward Hopper painting
Frank Lloyd Wright building
Thomas Hart Benton painting
Jasper Johns artwork
Andrew Wyeth painting
Hoover Dam
St. Louis Arch
Alamo
The Kiss photo from V-J Day
Hollywood sign
Gilbert Stuart - George Washington (Lansdowne Portrait)
Space Needle
Brooklyn Bridge
Sears Tower
Empire State Building
Andy Warhol artwork
Matthew Brady photo
Roy Lichtenstein artwork
Jackson Pollock painting
Georgia O’Keefe painting
Arlington National Cemetery