Forrest GumpFor the next few days, we will watch the

movie, Forrest Gump.This movie follows a fictional character who

seems to end up interacting with, and sometimes even influencing, minor and major historical events

In this assignment, you will use Forrest Gump to explore the question of whether art, entertainment, and fiction can teach us about history, and if so, how.

The PresentationAs we watch the video, please use the

worksheet, or your own personal notes, to keep track of some of the parts of the video that you recognize as historical events from our study of the United States after World War II.

When we are finished, you will:Choose one or more of the historical events,

people, or phenomena with which Forrest interacts

Research the eventCreate an oral presentation on the event

Oral PresentationYour oral presentation should do the following things:

Give a short summary of the event, person, or phenomenon in the film

Determine the accuracy of the film’s portrayal of the event (besides Forrest’s role in it), and provide historical evidence to support what you’re saying Is this event/person/phenomenon accurately portrayed?

Yes/No/In-betweenEvaluate this movie as a teaching tool for history

Is this movie worthwhile in teaching history? If so, how could you use it? If not, why not?

Evaluate if, and how, we can use all art, entertainment, and fiction to teach people about history

Oral PresentationThe length of your oral presentation is entirely

up to your discretion. What I will look for :Your presentation fully develops all of the ideas

and parts that are necessary (it’s “long” enough)Your presentation uses all time efficiently and

shows evidence of planning and practice (it’s not too “long”)

As with any time we present things, base your oral presentation around:An introductionA body (the main part)A conclusion

Argument Logic – 12 Points Excellent – 6-5 points Good – 4-3 points Poor – 2-0 points

Logic argues major points and avoids logical gaps

Virtually no gaps exist in the presentation’s logic

Some minor gaps and questions may exist in the presentation’s logic

The presentation’s arguments make little or no logical sense

Evidence used is appropriate, strong, and supports the main thesis strongly

All information used strongly supports the main thesis

Most information used strongly supports the main thesis

Most of the information in the paper is weak and does not support the main thesis

Presentation Technique and Structure – 18 Points

Excellent – 6-5 points Good – 4-3 points Poor – 2-0 points

Presentation materials support the main ideas of the speakers

Materials are excellently presented, and strongly support the arguments made

Almost all materials are well presented, although there may be some small errors that do not support the main presentation

Few or no useful materials are presented to support the arguments made, or the materials presented do not work to support the main argument

Speakers use oral presentation techniques (good use of voice, eye-contact, body language) to engage the audience and support their argument.

Speakers use excellent speaking techniques to engage the audience and support their argument

Speakers may have some small errors in speaking, or may not fully use techniques to engage the audience and support their argument

Speakers have numerous errors in speaking, and use few, if any, speaking techniques to engage their audience and support their argument

Speakers use good presentation mechanics (evidence of preparation, smooth transitions, good use of time, introduction and conclusion)

Speakers use excellent presentation mechanics with no noticeable errors

Speakers use mostly good presentation mechanics, but may show lack of preparation, may struggle with transitions, or may have weak introductions or conclusions

Speakers show poor presentation techniques – there is little evidence of preparation, transitions are rough, or the introduction and conclusion may not further the argument

Powerpoint Technique (if applicable) – 18 Points

Excellent – 6-5 points Good – 4-3 points Poor – 2-0 points

Presenters elaborate or give more information from the points on the slides

Presenters are able to give much information outside of the main points of the slides

Presenters elaborate on the points of their slides occasionally

Presenters only provide information clearly listed on the slide

Powerpoint “points” are succinct and powerful

Points are succinct and powerful Some points are too long to be practical, but overall they are quickly and easily read

Points are long – “Powerparagraph” instead of “Powerpoint”

Powerpoint fonts, backgrounds, pictures, etc., are easily readable, and do not detract from the presentation

All slides are very neat, easy to read, and support the presentation

Most slides are neat, easy to read, and support the presentation

Because of font, color, background, and picture choice, the Powerpoint presentation is difficult to read easily

Use of Planning and Work Time Working Effectively With a PartnerStudents are expected to use all time allotted for the project efficiently. Failure to do so will result in points deducted at the teacher’s discretion.

If two people choose to work as partners, their work should reflect the efforts and hard work of two people, and should also show excellent cooperation. Failure to do so will result in points deducted at the teacher’s discretion.