In class: Hoop Dreams 15 years later

Date assigned
Thursday, Oct. 18


Assignment
Read three articles about Hoop Dreams:

1) Hoop Dreams, 15 years later - link

2) The Great American Documentary - link

3) The death of Arthur's father - link


Then answer the following questions:

1) What is Hoop Dreams about?  How many different things is it about?

2) What issues does Hoop Dreams raise about American society?

3) How did Hoop Dreams change your perspective?  What did it make you think about that you haven’t considered before?  How did it change your thinking?

4) Of all the films we could have chosen to show you yesterday, why did we choose Hoop Dreams?

5) How could the lives of William, Arthur, and all of the other people in the film have been improved? 

6) Can poverty be eliminated?  If so, how?  If not, why not?

7) Discuss the idea of athletes as role models.  Why are athletes idolized?  Should athletes be idolized?  Why don’t teenagers have posters of scientists or writers or journalists on the walls of their bedrooms?

Due date
Thursday, Oct. 18, end of class