CHA 3U1
Culminating Performance Task
Due Date: ___________
Project Overview:
This project will require you to combine both the traditional technique of
formal essay writing with the relatively modern genre of Hollywood films. In many
regards, films have taken the place of the novel in modern storytelling. Our fast
paced world has demanded quicker and easier ways to tell stories, whether fact or
fiction. It is with this in mind that your CPT for this semester was created.
Task:
The task of this CPT is to create a formally written essay about a major
theme in American history. From this theme you will create a thesis for which you
wish to argue. Much as you would read novels about a specific theme in English
class, you will watch films/movies on the theme for this class. The films/movies will
act as part of you research for this assignment. Your final product will be a
submitted in proper, formal essay format.
Requirements:
o Choose a theme from the list below for which you wish to argue
o You must then view at least two movies listed below that specific theme
o You are expected to write a formal, thesis driven essay based on the theme,
not the movies. The movies will only help you argue the point.
o You must also have at least three accompanying sources that are either text
or internet sources
o Each body paragraph must have at least one supporting quote from a film
source and at least one from a non-film source.
o You must provide a proper works cited page (M.L.A. or APA format will be
accepted)
o Your paper must be approximately 1,250 to 1,750 words (typed, 12 font,
double spaced)
o Friday, Thursday, December 18 will be used as a peer editing day. 5 marks
of your final grade will come from simply having a proper “rough copy” to be
peer edited by this date.
Choose a theme from the list below. This theme will be your topic for your CPT.
Use at least two of the films/movies listed to help with the research for your paper.
There may be multiple people choosing the same topic.
Racism and discrimination has and forever will be a part of American society
Mississippi Burning, Malcolm X, Amistad, The Hurricane, Higher Learning,
Remember the Titans, Philadelphia
Sport has had an enormous impact on American culture
Rudy, Field of Dreams, Any Given Sunday, Remember the Titians, Rocky
Nothing has shaped American history as has war.
The Patriot, Glory, Saving Private Ryan, The Thin Red Line, Full Metal Jacket,
Jarhead, Platoon
Women, more than any other group, have suffered in American history
Thelma and Louise, A League of Their Own, Erin Brockevich, Pretty Woman
American music is the greatest influence on American culture
La Bamba, Footloose, Walk the Line, Almost Famous, Ray
The media makes America
Wag the Dog, The American President, Fahrenheit 911, Primary Colors1
The romance of crime and its effect on American culture
Gangs of New York, Young Guns, A Bronx Tale, Scarface, Boyz N’ the Hood, The
Untouchables, American Gangster, Goodfellas
The only thing that can destroy America is America itself.
Born on the Fourth of July, Under Siege, Bowling for Columbine, An Inconvenient
Truth, Full Metal Jacket
The President is the nation’s one true guiding light.
JFK, The American President, Fahrenheit 911, Primary Colors
The American Dream
Rocky, A Bronx Tail, American Gangster, Scarface, American Pie