Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Objective: Follow a theme throughout the decades and use historical evidence to explain how that theme
reveals changes about America.
Possible Themes:
● Movies ● International Relations ● Crime and Punishment
● TV Shows ● International Conflicts ● Race Relations
● Music ● Popular Icons ● Women’s Rights
● Sporting Events ● Best Presidents ● LGBTQ Rights
● Technology ● Political Priorities ● Native Americans Rights
● Fashion ● Connections to Today’s ● Other? ( Must be
● Economy Issues approved by teacher.
Essential Question: What does this theme teach us about Americans in each decade?
For your theme, you will need to:
- Explain why the [ theme] appealed to people.
- Explain how the [ theme] revealed the priorities of society.
- Explain how [theme] may have promoted or reflected changes in society.
- Explain whether any aspects of the [ theme] created division or unity within the country.
(This is a list to get you started, any other observations about America will be essential for creating a
compelling Capstone project.)
Instructions: You will determine your theme early in the class. Throughout the term, you will have designated
time to research the specific aspects of your theme as it relates to each decade (the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, and the early
2000s). Your goal will always be to apply your historical thinking skills to the topic so you can learn more about
Americans during that time period. At the end of the term, you will put everything together to create a compelling
Capstone Project to teach the class about the Evolution of that theme in America.
Who were the presidents of this decade? What did I think of them and why?
→ Can you make any connections between the presidents and your theme?
What were some of the main social, political, international, or economic events I learned about? What did I
think of them and why?
Who were the presidents of this decade? What did I think of them and why?
What were some of the main social, political, international, or economic events I learned about? What did I
think of them and why?
Who were the presidents of this decade? What did I think of them and why?
What were some of the main social, political, international, or economic events I learned about? What did I
think of them and why?
Who were the presidents of this decade? What did I think of them and why?
What were some of the main social, political, international, or economic events I learned about? What did I
think of them and why?
Are there any pictures I would like to utilize? (Goal - utilize at least five pictures.)
Are there any speeches or quotes I would like to highlight? (Goal - use at least three quotes.)