Exploring American Civic Folklore: Stories that Shape Identity

American civic folklore includes the stories Americans tell to make sense of who they are as a nation—stories that shape shared values, ideals, and sense of belonging. These narratives are not limited to figures like George Washington chopping down the cherry tree or Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox; they also emerge from a wide range of cultural traditions and everyday experiences, including those often left out of dominant narratives about American identity.

For this assignment, choose a story or figure from American civic folklore. You may select from well-known examples like the American Dream or Paul Revere, or explore those rooted in the lives and traditions of historically marginalized communities—such as White Buffalo Calf Woman, a sacred figure in Lakota oral tradition; John Henry, an African American freedman and working-class hero; La Llorona, as adapted in Chicanx folklore; the Monkey King, as featured in both Chinese and Chinese American storytelling; or urban legends and regional figures that reflect diasporic or localized American experiences.

Consider how your chosen story reflects ideas about belonging and the values that shape American identity.

Then, assemble a seven-slide PowerPoint presentation that addresses the following:

· Explain how the selected folklore helps  shape modern ideas of what it means to be American.

· Identify parts of the selected folklore’s message that are  fictitious.

· Describe the  differences between myths and folklore relative to the selected story.

What to Submit

Your presentation should include seven slides. Each slide should contain one image and some text. The first slide should be the introduction or cover slide, and the final, seventh slide should include references in APA format.

 

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!


Step-by-Step Guide for Creating Your PowerPoint Presentation

Step 1: Choose Your Folklore Story or Figure

  • Select a story or figure from American civic folklore. Examples:

    • Well-known: Paul Revere, Paul Bunyan, American Dream.

    • Marginalized communities: John Henry, White Buffalo Calf Woman, La Llorona, Monkey King.

  • Research background information to understand its origin, values, and cultural significance.


Step 2: Outline Your Seven Slides

  1. Slide 1 – Cover Slide

    • Include: Title, your name, course, date.

    • Add a representative image of your folklore figure/story.

  2. Slide 2 – Introduction

    • Briefly introduce your folklore figure/story.

    • Explain why it is culturally or historically significant.

  3. Slide 3 – Folklore and American Identity

    • Describe how the story reflects values and belonging in America.

    • Include one or two key examples.

  4. Slide 4 – Fictitious Elements

    • Identify parts of the story that are legendary or exaggerated.

    • Explain why these elements were added or emphasized.

  5. Slide 5 – Myth vs. Folklore

    • Define myth and folklore.

    • Compare your story to these definitions, highlighting differences.

  6. Slide 6 – Modern Relevance

    • Explain how the folklore continues to influence American identity or culture today.

    • Mention adaptations in media, education, or local traditions.

  7. Slide 7 – References (APA Format)

    • Include at least 2–3 credible sources.

    • Format correctly in APA style. Example sources: books, academic articles, or reputable websites.


Step 3: Find and Insert Images

  • Use high-quality images for each slide (one per slide).

  • Images can include historical illustrations, cultural symbols, or artistic representations.

  • Make sure images are relevant and enhance your text rather than distract from it.


Step 4: Write Clear and Concise Text

  • Keep bullet points short—no more than 3–5 per slide.

  • Use readable fonts like Calibri, Arial, or Times New Roman.

  • Ensure your text complements the image without overcrowding the slide.


Step 5: Review and Edit

  • Check for spelling, grammar, and clarity.

  • Make sure each slide aligns with the assignment prompt.

  • Ensure images are correctly cited if needed.


Step 6: Suggested Credible Sources

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