Module 7 Assignment: Jazz Age Journal Entries

The Jazz Age was a time of significant social change that had an impact on many aspects of society and culture in the United States. In this assignment, you will research an individual from this period and explore their unique story.

Step 1: Reflect on what you have learned about this decade in U.S. History and the many significant social changes and their impact on the generations to follow. Choose one area of interest and select an influential individual you would like to further research. Topics to consider—Prohibition, Jazz, Immigration, Organized Crime, Scopes Trial, the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan, Women’s Rights/Activism, and more.

Step 2: Using primary and secondary resources, research the individual of your choice. Use various resources to understand who this person was and what their motivations were.

  • Keep track of your sources and include a works cited page.
  • You must use at least ONE primary resource.

Step 3: Using your research, you can either:

1) Write two separate journal entries of at least several paragraphs (200-300 words each) from the perspective of this person that will be shared with the class. Each entry should be from a different period in their life and should be presented in chronological order. The second entry may be written posthumously.

Each entry should include:

  • The date in history you are writing from.
  • Integrated facts that show the context from which it is written.
  • Insight into the individual’s thoughts and feelings based on your research.

OR

2) Create a hypothetical website or blog for your person. You do not need to actually create the blog but should imagine that you are creating the text for the main sections of the blog. You can write out your responses in a document.

  • Begin with an “About Me” section that describes the person’s life story in a nutshell. This should be 1-2 paragraphs (~200 words).
  • Include a “What I’m Passionate About” section that explains and describes the person’s interests and influence. This should be at least 2-3 paragraphs.
  • Finally, create one blog entry that the person might have made during their lifetime about a specific idea or event. This should be at least 2-3 paragraphs.

Assignment Grading Rubric

Criteria Developing Satisfactory Excellent Points
Sources No sources or evidence provided, or sources are not presented in a way that makes fact-checking possible. Sources or evidence are provided, but they are not completely accurate or connected to the content of the entries. Sources and evidence are relevant, clear, and connected to appropriate claims. There is at least one primary source used and referenced. Citations are included. __/6
Historical Accuracy Journal entries are inaccurate or poorly researched. Information is somewhat accurate, some facts are missing or unclear, or research is vague or incomplete. Information is accurate, well-researched, complete, and presented in a clear format. All requested information is included. __/8
Journal Entries Entries are not written from a first-person perspective and do not meet length requirements. The writing was not proofread for grammar/ mechanics. Entries attempt to show the point of view of the chosen individual. Length requirement is nearly met. Some grammar/mechanics errors, etc. Entries are clearly written from the perspective of the selected individual with a clear voice. Length requirements are met and writing is carefully proofread with minor or no errors in grammar/mechanics. __/6
Total __/20