**Assigned Film: Gran Torino, Clint Eastwood 2009***

Directions

1. Develop THREE (3) well-developed paragraphs about the assigned film’s connection to the American Dream.

In the first and second paragraphs, discuss how specific scenes in the film reflect the achievement of the American Dream OR the disillusionment with the American Dream by one or more of the characters or the plot, setting or other elements of the film.

In the third paragraph, discuss how the American Dream is achieved (or falls short) in context with ONE of the readings on the American dream assigned in this unit (see Assignment 1).

2. Provide clear and specific examples from the film, including quotes or paraphrases from the selected reading as necessary to support your assertions. Be sure to properly integration any in text citations in MLA format.

3. Add a Works Cited at the end of your analysis. (Don’t forget to cite the film you watched, as well as the articles you referenced in your post).

4. Post your analysis in Film Discussion in the Group Forum by creating a thread within the discussion board. NOTE: Do not post in the Forum page itself but within the discussion forum for which you will have to create a thread.

Purpose

This activity will deepen your understanding of the American Dream in film and provide some practice with critical thinking and analysis in preparation for the analysis essay due at the end of this unit.

Grading

I will grade this assignment on the thoroughness of your understanding of the American Dream, the clarity of the points you develop, and the support your provide from the film and selected reading(s). (50 points)