Mid-Term Assignment, Due Monday February 23th, 2009

Below you will find the mid-term assignment on Jack Johnson. Select one of the three options and complete for your first day back. A rubric for each option is located below the assignment.

Use notes on Jack Johnson and refer to the article from class for help (found several posts below this one). Also, google search "Jack Johnson" if you need additional help.

Have a great break!

-Mr. Donohue


Sports in Society Mid-Term Assignment:
Jack Johnson
Due: Monday, February 23
Length: 2 pages, typed, double-spaced, 12-point font
Assignment: Choose one of the following three options.

Option 1: Write two one-page journal entries from the point of view of Jim Jefferies. The first entry is just before the “Fight of the Century” (Johnson vs Jefferies) and the second entry will reflect his thoughts two months after the fight.
Be sure to include:
*A realistic date for both entries – remember the fight took place on July 4th, 1910.
*In your first entry, mention the odds of the fight and the expectations of the white press/populace. Why are you being called out of retirement? Who has Johnson faced and beaten before this fight? Do you think you will be the guy to stop him?
*In your second entry, mention how African-Americans and whites are reacting to the outcome. Is this win good for America? Could you have beaten Johnson in your prime?
*Fact: Jefferies was 35 at the time of the fight, but out of boxing for six years. Johnson was 32.

Option 2: You are a columnist for an African-American newspaper writing an opinionated column about “The Fight of the Century”.
Was the fight all you expected it to be? Are you frightened about the aftermath? Is this a significant moment in African-American history? How will you encourage the public, regardless of skin color, to react?

Option 3: Write a one-on-one interview between yourself and Jack Johnson after “The Fight of the Century”? What do you most want to know? What do you want people to hear from Jack Johnson? Be sure to cover topics from Johnson’s life and from his fights in the ring. Also, remember that at the time of this interview major race riots are going on around America. What information would you want from Johnson regarding America’s reaction to the “Fight of the Century”?


Sports in Society Mid-Term Assignment: Jack Johnson
Rubric

Option 1: Jim Jefferies’ Journal Entries
The following areas will be graded on a scale of 1-5:
*A reflection on society’s expectations before the fight and reaction after the fight.
*6-8 historical facts from the Jack Johnson article or video. Also, the journal entries must be properly dated.
*The diary entries are clearly written with Jim Jefferies’ voice (use ‘I’, not ‘he’ or ‘you’).
*Reality – keep your writing consistent with what you have learned about American society and the individuals you have studied. (For example, do not write that white America wanted Jim Jefferies to lose the fight).
*Spelling, grammar and punctuation.

Option 2: Sports Column from an African-American Newspaper.
The following areas will be graded on a scale of 1-5:
*Commentary on what Johnson’s victory means for the African-American community.
*6-8 historical facts from the Jack Johnson article or video.
*Your clear and sustained opinion throughout the column.
*Reality – keep your writing consistent with what you have learned about American society and the individuals you have studied. (See example above)
*Spelling, grammar, punctuation and paragraph separation.

Option 3: Jack Johnson Interview.
The following areas will be graded on a scale of 1-5:
*Relevant and informed questions from the interviewer (“Does your victory make you a hero?” is a good question, “What is your favorite color?” is not).
*6-8 historical facts from the Jack Johnson article or video.
*Realistic responses based upon what you have learned about Johnson.
*Proper use of interview format (below).
-Me: (write your question)
-Jack Johnson: (response) (you may write “JJ” after the first time he responds to a question)
*Spelling, grammar and punctuation.