American Journalism Project

The foundation of the Americas has a long and fascinating past. It is one of the
areas where civilization developed in an extremely violent way. It has a recorded
history of more than 600 years! Unfortunately, we do not have the time to study all
600 years, but we will be focusing on a few key aspects of the foundation of this
part of the world.
To explore beyond the textbook and investigate American history and culture, you
will be participating in what I call the American Newspaper Project. In groups of 4
people, you will be writing your own newspaper. I am asking you to pretend you are
a journalist and your job is to educate your readers (your classmates) on the
selected topics. (See backside)
Your newspaper will be a close replica of something you would actually read in a
daily paper. Please include:
-

A newspaper name (USA Today, The Daily News, etc.)

A layout- start with an introduction of topic, proceeding with more
information, and ending with a conclusion.
An advertisement- Yes, you will have to create an advertisement
pertaining to the topic(1-2 only)
The program must be educational, appropriate, and entertaining!!

Please be extremely creative. Use your imagination and be as creative as possible!!

Other Requirements for the Project
In order to obtain the information needed for this project, you will not only need to
use your notes from class, but you will be required to research with your group
members. Using the information you have gathered, in your group you will create
an entire paper. The newspaper must cover all 6 topics. You only need one final
copy per group.
To prevent one person from doing more than his/her share, I will ask you to identify
the work you have done. Each person will provide me a typed list of each thing you
have contributed to the group project. For example, your list might read:
Drew the pictures
Wrote the article for American Genocide
researched Francisco Pizarro & Incas
helped create the advertisement
Every member in the group must be an active participant in the final
presentation.

Class Time
You will be given a sufficient amount of class time to work on the project. You will be
graded on how well you use the given time. Points will be taken away to

those who do not utilize this time!!

Grading
Even though this is a group project, I will be grading you individually. The
identification list of the work you have done, along with how well you work in class,
will help me determine your individual grade. (Identification list on the last page)
America Topics
1. Francisco Pizarro and the Incas
2. Hernan Cortes and the Aztecs
3. Life in the Colonies
4. French & Indian War
5. The American Genocide
6. Life as a Native American Slave
Due Date 10/22/15
American Project Rubric
Script (one copy per group)
____/content (15 points)
____/All 6 topics included (12 points)
____/newspaper is NEAT (5 points)
____/advertisement (3 points)
Identification of the work you have done
____/ provided a list of all work you have done for this project (5 points)
____/ completed his or her share of the workload for the project (10 points)

TOTAL ________________ /50 points

Identification List

Please identify all the work you have done for this project.
This list will help me determine your grade.
1. __________________________________________________
2. __________________________________________________
3. __________________________________________________
4. __________________________________________________
5. __________________________________________________
6. __________________________________________________
7. __________________________________________________
8. ___________________________________________________
Is there anything else you would like me to know? Please
write it down below:

__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________