Research Paper/Cinderella Man

All students in Comprehensive American Studies II must complete an MLA style research paper that encompasses some aspect of American history, literature, or culture. This paper does "original analysis" that comes from a thesis that defends an argument--Not a book report or an evaluation of an autobiography!

The paper is worth two grades: Process and Product. Look at the steps and guidelines and possible topic choices.

We'll start the process next week with research...But for now brainstorm some topic choices!

Cinderella Man

As we wrap-up the Great Depression, we are going to watch Cinderella Man. James J. Braddock was an up-and-coming boxer finding success and wealth in the late 1920s. The crash of the stock market and the Great Depression quickly changed all of that. Nursing an injured hand, Braddock continued to fight in low paying matches, struggled for work at the local docks, and tried to keep his family fed and their one room apartment heated. This movie is an accurate, heart-wrenching historical depiction of one American family's ethical struggles during The Great Depression as well as one man's determination to hold on to his integrity and his family.

Here are some guided questions.