Short Essay #2: Consumer Culture and the American Dream
Assignment Overview:
The rise of consumerism in the 20th century reshaped American ideas of success, happiness, and identity. This essay invites you to connect consumer culture with broader themes of American history.
Your Task:
Write a 2-page essay that:
- Defines consumer culture and its rise in the U.S.
- Explores how advertising, mass media, and consumption shaped the American Dream
- Considers whether consumerism created opportunity, inequality, or both
- Uses at least one historical example from the 1920s1960s
Rubric
Consumer Culture Rubric
Consumer Culture Rubric
| Criteria |
Ratings |
Pts |
|
This criterion is linked to a learning outcomeDefinition of Consumer Culture
|
20 to >18.0 PtsExcellentClearly defines consumer culture and explains its rise.18 to >16.0 PtsProficientGood definition; minor gaps.
16 to >14.0 PtsDevelopingSurface-level explanation.14 to >0 PtsNeeds ImprovementMissing or inaccurate definition. |
20 pts
|
|
This criterion is linked to a learning outcomeRole of Advertising & Media
|
20 to >18.0 PtsExcellentStrong explanation of how advertising shaped the American Dream.18 to >16.0 PtsProficientCovers main ideas with some detail lacking.
16 to >14.0 PtsDevelopingMinimal explanation.14 to >0 PtsNeeds ImprovementIncorrect or missing information. |
20 pts
|
|
This criterion is linked to a learning outcomeOpportunity vs. Inequality Analysis
|
20 to >18.0 PtsExcellentInsightful argument supported with examples.18 to >16.0 PtsProficientGood argument; mildly underdeveloped.
16 to >14.0 PtsDevelopingWeak or unclear argument.14 to >0 PtsNeeds ImprovementMissing analysis. |
20 pts
|
|
This criterion is linked to a learning outcomeHistorical Example
|
20 to >18.0 PtsExcellentUses at least one strong historical example (e.g., suburbs, postwar boom, TV ads).18 to >16.0 PtsProficientExample used but not fully connected.
16 to >14.0 PtsDevelopingVague or inaccurate example.14 to >0 PtsNeeds ImprovementNo example. |
20 pts
|
|
This criterion is linked to a learning outcomeWriting Quality & Organization
|
15 to >13.5 PtsExcellentClear, structured, polished 2-page essay.13.5 to >12.0 PtsProficientMostly organized; minor issues.
12 to >10.5 PtsDevelopingSome disorder or grammar issues.10.5 to >0 PtsNeeds ImprovementHard to follow. |
15 pts
|
|
This criterion is linked to a learning outcomeFormatting & Requirements
|
5 to >4.5 PtsExcellentMeets 2-page requirement; follows instructions.4.5 to >4.0 PtsProficientSlight issues.
4 to >3.5 PtsDevelopingSeveral issues.3.5 to >0 PtsNeeds ImprovementRequirements not met. |
5 pts
|
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