Unit 7: Lesson 5: Activity 1

Then v. Now: The Millennial Generation and Past Generations Compare

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Some findings about the Millennial generation, according to Pew Research Center:

• Millennials are more ethnically and racially diverse than older generations.
• We are less religious, but that doesn’t mean we don’t believe.

• We are quickly becoming the most educated generation in American history.
• Despite what you might think, we respect our elders and believe them to be better in areas of morals and work ethic. As such, we’ve been known – for reasons other than our love for you alone – as the ‘boomerang generation’, because we have often moved home after college (at least for a bit).
• We express ourselves in multiple ways (i.e. social media, tattoos, piercings, etc.).
• Despite finishing college and graduate school in one of the worst recessions the United States (and perhaps the modern world) has experienced, we are generally more optimistic about the future of our careers and the economy than older generations.

• Unlike other generations, what tends to be most important in our career path is if the work we do is meaningful and fulfilling.

Benchmarks:

11.5.6.6 Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text in which the rhetoric is particularly effective, analyzing how style and content contribute to the power, persuasiveness, or beauty of the text.

11.9.4.4 While respecting intellectual property, present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning, alternative or opposing perspectives are addressed, and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and a range of formal and informal tasks (e.g., persuasion, argumentation, debate).

11.9.6.6 Adapt speech to a variety of contexts, audiences, tasks, and feedback from self and others, demonstrating a command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. (See grades 11–12 Language standards 1 and 3 on page 75 for specific expectations.)

11.11.3.3 Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.

Learning Targets:

I can recognize and explain examples of how language functions in different contexts, demonstrate effective choices regarding language, and adapt language for purpose and audience needs. (9.6.6, 11.3.3, 9.4.4, 5.6.6)

Essential Questions:

How does pop culture influence modernist and/or postmodernist writers’ interpretations and responses to the idea of the American dream?

Summary:

In this activity, you will compare the current generation--the millennial generation--to a past generation represented in your self-selected text.

You Will Need:

One 50-minute class period

Internet access

Activity Instructions:

 Step 1.

Explore these resources that describe the millennial generation:

MPR Millennial Generation & Politics

MPR Cheapest Generation

Millennial Generation^[2]

Millennial Generation Slideshare

Step 2.

As you explore, take notes in response to these 3 questions:

1. How do you see yourself in these resources?
2. What pop culture is mentioned and what does it symbolize about the millennial generation?
3. How do the millennial generation’s values compare to the values being suggested in your self-selected texts?

Step 3. 

Write a two-voice poem that has the millennial generation speaking to the generation portrayed in your self-selected text (Lesson 1: Activity 2). These two voices should reflect on the idea of the American dream & how pop culture influences the values of that dream.

Some potentially helpful resources:

Immigration Two Voice Poems^[3]

HOUSE, a poem for two voices

A Poem in Two Voices Tutorial^[4]

Poem for two voices^[5]

Step 4.

Submit your notes and poem.