American Studies Question

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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