Pocahontas Case Study Unit
Assignments
1. John Smith interpretations A and B – accompanying worksheet. 9/30
2. Complete Setting a Purpose for Reading - Agree and Disagree statements (pre-reading). 10/1
3. Read Information about the Life of Pocahontas.(detect bias, ask clarifying questions) 10/1
4. Read The Pocahontas Myth – from www.powhatan.org/pocc.html (circle clarifications and “?” next
to confusions). (Homework for 10/5)
5. Read Disney Pocahontas Review (Colin Jacobson), complete the Argument Analysis Chart. 10/5
6. View the film clips from Disney’s Pocahontas and take notes.10/8-13
7. Read The Pocahontas Paradox (Cornel Pewewardy) and complete the Argument Analysis Chart.
10/7
8. Read Redesigning Pocahontas and complete the Argument Analysis Chart. 10/12-13
9. Complete Pocahontas Case Study Essay 10/19– 10/23
Bias
Critical Thinking Skills Study:
Point of View
Fact/Opinion
Interpretation
Evidence
Thesis
Primary Source
Secondary Source
Pocahontas Case Study – Final Evaluative Essay
After reading all of the essays and information on Pocahontas that I provided, participating in the class
discussions and viewing the Disney movie clips in class, decide which point of view you agree with most
between the following two writings– The Pocahontas Paradox, or the Disney movie review. Write a three
page typed (double spaced) FORMAL essay in which you discuss whether you feel Disney has a
responsibility to “teach” its viewers the truth, or if it’s only job is to entertain. Start by forming a thesis
statement which clearly states this point of view. Then, use any of the other sources listed above as
support for your thesis and explain it in detail in the body of the essay. Leave the reader with something
to ponder about this topic in the conclusion.
Due date – Friday, October 23rd
We will work on the essay in class during the week of Oct. 19th through the 23rd. By Wednesday the 21st, I
would like to see a solid rough draft from everyone. You may turn it in on Tuesday also. I will spend a few
minutes with each of you looking over your draft and giving feedback. The rough draft is worth 20 points.
Grading:
Clear thesis and point of view – 10 points
Support for thesis using other readings (minimum of three references) - 30 points
Opinions defended with reasons and evidence – 20 points
Mechanics (grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc.) – 10 points
Total Points – 70