“Your American Dream”
Entrepreneur Project
Brief Project Overview:
Using the play Death of a Salesman as the vehicle for discussion, this project explores and
examines entrepreneurship versus self-employment - working for yourself opposed to working for
someone else. Discussion can include what types of employment students may seek.
Appropriate Subject and Grade Levels
For high school sophomores/juniors in the following classes:
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English
Marketing
Length of Project
After reading the play or watching the video, this project may take at least two 55-minute periods OR
one block class period of 95 minutes
NOTE: The length of this project is an estimated minimum time need for completion that may easily
be expanded upon. The length of time will naturally increase as the project is expanded upon by the
teacher as it is adapted to meet classroom and curriculum goals.
Teacher Materials Provided
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Lesson Plan
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Outcomes/Products, Assessments and Standards Matrix – identifies lesson outcomes, standards
addressed, and ways to measure learning; includes a brief description of corresponding student
activities
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Collage Rubric - to clarify the collage assignments and to set out grading criteria for the
assignments
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Writing Assignment Rubric - to clarify the writing assignments and to set out grading criteria for the
assignments
Student Materials Provided
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Collage Rubric - to clarify the collage assignments
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Writing Assignment Rubric - to clarify the writing assignments
Classroom Facilities Needed
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VCR or DVD player and large TV or projector
Computers with Internet access for student reference, research and writing
Printer
Student Supplies Needed
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Poster paper
Glue sticks
Marker pens
1 of 9 “Your American Dream” Entrepreneur Project – Revised 09/14/2004
Finance and Business Industry Sector Grant – Sierra College
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Tape
Scissors
Dictionaries
Special Resources Needed
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Video of Death of a Salesman
Copy for each student of the book Death of a Salesman
Magazines
Preparation Checklist
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Review Outcomes/Products, Assessments and Standards Matrix, Lesson Plan, student materials,
and perhaps the recommended background materials
Read book and/or watch video
Choose activities most appropriate for your class
Make copies of applicable rubrics for students
Check Google or other search engines for background information on Death of a Salesman
Recommended Background Materials
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How to Become a Teenage Entrepreneur (1996) video
Teenbiz-Money Making Teens (1998) video
Three of the many sites for additional Death of a Salesman background information and lessons:
o www.educeth.ch/english/readinglist/millera/death.html
o www.questica.com/popularSearcher/death_of_a_salesman.jsp
o www.webenglishteacher.com/miller.html
Optional: Follow-up Activities to Project
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Propose advice to “would be” entrepreneurs
Bring in another class studying a different subject to discuss different perspectives on
Entrepreneurship
“Your American Dream” Entrepreneur Project
Written and Edited by:
Mike Fischer
Diane Dean-Epps
Beth Islip
Paula Stephan
Diane Miles
Jan Caldwell
Sierra Community College developed and produced the Business Industry Sector Grant for
Finance and Business. Funding provided by the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical
Education Act of 1998 through the California Department of Education.
For more information please visit: FAB.SierraCollege.edu
2 of 9 “Your American Dream” Entrepreneur Project – Revised 09/14/2004
Finance and Business Industry Sector Grant – Sierra College
Outcomes/Products, Assessments and Standards Matrix
“Your American Dream” Entrepreneur Project
Learning
Outcome/Products
Give three examples
of how the business
world is portrayed in
Death of a Salesman.
Assessment
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Identify the elements •
of the American
Dream as depicted in
Death of a Salesman.
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Write a five-paragraph essay on how the
business world is portrayed in the Death of a
Salesman. Writing Assignment Rubric
provided.
In small groups, discuss major themes found
in the play as they relate to the business world
and report out to the class.
Discuss your realities of the business world
and compare and contrast them with Willy’s
realities.
Write a five-paragraph essay listing Willy
Loman’s, Charley’s and Howard Wagner’s
perception of the American Dream. Writing
Assignment Rubric provided.
Compare and contrast Willy Loman’s,
Charley’s, and Howard Wagner’s vision of the
American Dream and support what position
comes closest to student’s own perception.
Debate the pros and cons of Willy’s and
Howard’s view and philosophy of being
successful and reaching the American Dream.
Design an individual collage supporting your
perception of your American Dream and share
it with the class. Collage Assignment Rubric
provided.
Level of Bloom’s
Taxonomy
Comprehension
Comprehension
Evaluation
Synthesis
Knowledge
Synthesis
Evaluation
Evaluation
Synthesis
Evaluation
3 of 9 “Your American Dream” Entrepreneur Project – Revised 09/14/2004
Finance and Business Industry Sector Grant – Sierra College
Standards Assessed
Language Arts 9/10
Writing 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 1.8, 1.9, 2.2, 2.3
English Language Conventions 1.2, 1.3,
1.4
Listening 1.1, 1.3, 1.6
Language Arts 11/12
Writing 1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6
Economics
12.1.2 Opportunity Cost
12.2.3 Competition and Profit
Language Arts 9/10
Reading 2.0, 3.3
Writing 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 1.8, 1.9, 2.2, 2.3
English Language Conventions 1.2, 1.3,
1.4
Listening 1.3, 1.4, 1.6
Language Arts 11/12
Writing 1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6
Listening and Speaking 2.4
Economics
12.1.5 Market Economy Preserves
Personal Liberty
Business Core
1.1 Business Communications
1.1.2 Effectiveness
1.1.5 Nonverbal Communications
1.1.6 Oral Communications
1.2 Business Environment
1.2.5 Entrepreneurial Concepts
1.3 Career Preparation
Define entrepreneur.
List the personal
qualities necessary
for becoming a
successful selfemployed person as
illustrated in the play.
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List the steps
necessary to
establish an
entrepreneurship.
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Demonstrate the
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relationship of
education and/or
lifelong learning to
meeting the American
Dream and having a
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successful career.
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In small groups, brainstorm those personal
characteristics necessary to become
successfully self-employed. Then discuss
what characteristics Willy lacked which limit
him from becoming an entrepreneur/selfemployed.
Develop appropriate questions to interview a
small business owner asking them what they
think are the personal qualities necessary for
success. Share findings with the class.
Interview a small business owners to ask them
what steps they had to take to set up their
business.
Discuss/brainstorm in small group format what
steps are necessary to establish small
business. Select the five most important steps
and report out to the class.
Contact SBA (Small Business Administration)
to research the necessary steps necessary to
establish an entrepreneurship.
Using the Internet, research two or more
specific business careers. Prepare a twopage essay comparing and contrasting the
necessary educational requirements and lifelong earning for each of these careers (rubric).
Produce a pictorial visual depicting the
educational requirements for two business
careers and orally present findings to the
class.
Write a five-paragraph essay on how
Comprehension
Application
Comprehension
Comprehension
1.3.4 Interest Assessment
1.5 Employability Skills
1.5.2 Conflict Resolution
1.5.6 Teamwork
1.6 Information Technologies
1.6.1 Applications
Language Arts 9/10
Writing 1.3
Economics
12.2.8 Entrepreneurial Incentives
Business Core
6.0 Entrepreneurship
6.1.5 Entrepreneurial Potential
Language Arts 9/10
Writing 1.3
Business Core
6.122 Research and Development
Comprehension
Evaluation
Synthesis
Application
4 of 9 “Your American Dream” Entrepreneur Project – Revised 09/14/2004
Finance and Business Industry Sector Grant – Sierra College
Language Arts 9/10
Writing 1.1-1.9
Reading 2.0
Listening 1.6, 1.7
Language Arts 11/12
Writing 1.0, 1.1, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7
Economics
12.4.3 Wage Differences Among Jobs and
Professions
Business Core
1.2 Career Preparation, Job Acquisition
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List the advantages
and disadvantages of
being an owner of
your own business
and compare it to
being an employee of
a company or
industry.
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educational requirements/lifelong learning
applies to the business career selected.
Writing Assignment Rubric provided.
Interview two people in the business career
that has been have selected and discuss with
them their educational background and how
they stay aware of current trends, technology
and standards within their chosen industry.
Prepare findings and present them orally to
the class.
Interview two people in a business career, one
self-employed and one an employee.
Discuss with them the advantages and
disadvantages of being self-employed or as an
employee. Prepare findings in writing and
select and defend the type of employment
preferred. Present findings and choice orally
to the class.
Debate the pros and cons of self-employment
vs. working for someone else.
and Retention
1.3.1 Career Exploration
Comprehension
Application
Synthesis
Evaluation
5 of 9 “Your American Dream” Entrepreneur Project – Revised 09/14/2004
Finance and Business Industry Sector Grant – Sierra College
Economics
12.4.1 Operation of Labor Market
12.4.2 Condition of Current Labor Market
Lesson Plan
Death of a Salesman
Gives Life to an Entrepreneur
A. Introduction: (About 5 minutes)
Address Students:
Have you ever head the expression the “American Dream?” People immigrate to the United States
from all over the world seeking the American Dream, but what exactly is it? (Discussion)
In the play Death of a Salesman, the main character, Willy Loman, is seeking to find the American
Dream. What is Willy’s idea of the American Dream? Can Willy solve all of his problems by setting
up his own business? Is it feasible? Will his American Dream be fulfilled if he becomes an
entrepreneur? What is an entrepreneur?
Have you ever considered entrepreneurship as on option for your own career? Today we will discuss
what skills are needed to be an entrepreneur and if you have these skills. What are the advantages
or disadvantages from your point of view?
B. Body: (About 10 minutes)
Teacher Activities
Teacher facilitates class brainstorming by listing the traits commonly associated with entrepreneurs.
(May solicit student assistance by having a few students write class responses on large pieces of
paper posted around classroom.)
Entrepreneurial Traits
Address Students:
You will be your own most important employee, so an objective appraisal of your strengths and
weaknesses is essential. Some questions to ask yourself are:
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Am I a self-starter?
How well do I get along with a variety of personalities?
How good am I at making decisions?
Do I have the physical and emotional stamina to run a business?
How well do I plan and organize?
Are my attitudes and drive strong enough to maintain motivation?
How will the business affect my family?
Teacher will provide a formal explanation. Entrepreneur – one who organizes, manages and
assumes the risks of an enterprise or business.
6 of 9 “Your American Dream” Entrepreneur Project – Revised 09/14/2004
Finance and Business Industry Sector Grant – Sierra College
Student Activities
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As a class, students watch Arthur Miller’s play, Death of a Salesman.
Choose and assign the most appropriate assessment(s) from the Outcomes/Products,
Assessments and Standards Matrix for class.
C. Closure: (About 10 minutes)
Address Students:
Not everyone is cut out to be his or her own boss. For most people it is the risk involved in opening
your own business that turns them away. For others, the risk takers, it is what drives their spirit. A
true entrepreneur might say, “Why should I work eight hours a day and make someone else rich,
when I can work for myself and reap the rewards? Isn’t this part of the American Dream? Willy
believed wholeheartedly in what he considered the promise of the American Dream…so he does
possess some entrepreneurial traits.
As you explore your career options, keep in mind the type of employee you would like to be. There
are many opportunities in the world of work for entrepreneurs. Learn more about business and
financial opportunities as an entrepreneur by taking business classes at your high school or at your
local community college.
Additional Teacher Comments:
We have just completed a project that has provided a little exposure to the world of finance and
business. Why did we do this? Because most adults work in the business environment and the most
popular college major is business. This project was designed to expose you to business topics and
concepts in preparation for your future. There are many advantages to further exploring finance and
business now while in high school. Here are some of them:
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To find out if you like the subject before committing to a career path.
To gain skills to get a part-time or summer job.
To prepare for a career after high school or to put yourself through college.
To strengthen your college applications.
To begin earning college credits while in high school.
Here’s how you may explore more about finance and business:
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Develop an educational plan with your counselor.
Make the most of block or trimester scheduling and take business electives.
Participate in ROP classes and/or internships.
Take required classes in summer school to allow for more electives during the school year.
Join business-related clubs or activities on campus.
Investigate opportunities in your community, such as Junior Achievement, Scouting, or volunteer
work.
Attend community college night or summer classes.
As Mark Twain once said:
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than
by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch
the trade winds in your sales. EXPLORE. DREAM. DISCOVER.”
7 of 9 “Your American Dream” Entrepreneur Project – Revised 09/14/2004
Finance and Business Industry Sector Grant – Sierra College
Collage Assignment Rubric
“Your American Dream” Entrepreneur Project
Student Name:________________________________________
CATEGORY
4
3
The collage includes all All required content
the required content and and elements are
elements. Additional
included on the
elements added to
collage.
include more information
than required.
Design and layout are
Attractiveness Design, layout
organization and
attractive; collage is
neatness meet all the
neat.
requirements with
excellent portrayal of
project; collage is visually
pleasing.
Student is focused, stays Student's focus limited
Time
on task and manages
on project, time is not
Management
class time well.
used effectively.
Listens to Other Student is focused and Student listens but is
listens actively to other
not actively engaged
Presentations
presentations and
in the presentation,
participates in discussion. has limited
participation in
discussion.
Required
Content
2
1
Content is weak and
incomplete and some
elements are missing
for the collage.
Does not address
content and many
required elements for
the collage are missing.
Collage is messy and
unattractive.
Collage lacks
organization,
attractiveness,
neatness, and focus.
Student lacks focus
during class time and is
easily distracted.
Student’s attention
wanders, is not fully
focused on
presentation, is easily
distracted, and does not
participate in
discussion.
Student well rehearsed Student adequately
Presentation lacks
Preparedness
and well prepared and
prepared but needs
preparation and
for Oral
can accurately answer all more rehearsal and
rehearsal; ability to
Presentation
questions related to the cannot fully answer
answer questions
collage.
questions.
limited.
Student is articulate
Student isn't always
Speaks Clearly Student is articulate,
audible, pronounces all and audible but makes articulate and/or audible
words correctly, and uses minor errors in
and makes errors in
correct grammar.
grammar and
grammar and
pronunciation.
pronunciation.
Posture and Eye Student establishes eye Student establishes Student has limited eye
contact, stands up
eye contact frequently, contact, poise and
Contact
straight, and
has good posture and confidence.
demonstrates confidence. demonstrates some
confidence.
Student demonstrates
Student sometimes
Student lacks
Enthusiasm
enthusiasm, engaging the generates enthusiasm, enthusiasm and is
audience.
but is unable to
unable to engage
engage audience.
audience.
Student not focused on
project, does not use
class time effectively.
Student's behavior is
distracting to presenter
and class, does not
contribute to discussion.
Student does not give
presentation.
Student unable to speak
clearly and uses poor
grammar.
Student has little or no
eye contact, posture
shows lack of
confidence and poise.
Student is nervous and
has trouble relating to
the audience.
Total Points
Comments:
Rated By:
8 of 9 “Your American Dream” Entrepreneur Project – Revised 09/14/2004
Finance and Business Industry Sector Grant – Sierra College
Total
Points
Writing Assignment Rubric
“Your American Dream” Entrepreneur Project
Student Name:______________________________________
CATEGORY
Main
Topic or
Idea
4
2
1
Student addresses the Student addresses Student unclear
Student does not
prompt clearly,
the prompt but is
about the prompt and address the
concisely.
not clear.
rambles.
prompt.
Each paragraph has
three or more
supporting sentences
that support the main
idea sentence.
Mechanics and Essay is virtually error
free with correct
Grammar
spelling, punctuation
and grammar, and
content reads well.
Supporting
Statements
3
Each paragraph
has two supporting
sentences that
support the main
idea sentence.
Essay may have a
few errors in
spelling,
punctuation and
grammar, but this
doesn’t distract
from the content.
Each paragraph has
one supporting
sentence that
supports the main
idea sentence.
Essay has multiple
errors in spelling,
grammar and
punctuation that
distracts from the
content.
There are not
supporting
sentences that
support the main
idea sentence.
Essay has
excessive errors in
spelling and
punctuation that
hinders the flow of
the writing.
Total Points
Comments:
Rated By:
9 of 9 “Your American Dream” Entrepreneur Project – Revised 09/14/2004
Finance and Business Industry Sector Grant – Sierra College
Total
Points