Directions: Use the themes, questions and video clips below to teach and learn with portions of C-SPAN's American Writers program featuring Theodore Dreiser and Sister Carrie. Link to the complete video clip list to identify clip descriptions and create your own lessons. Each theme contains questions and video clips appropriate for varying grade levels. Lesson Credit:
Curriculum Advisory Team Member, Kevin Sacerdote.

1. What are some characteristics of cities? Consider both positive and negative qualities. What factors lead to many of the problems that arose in cities at the turn of the century? How can a study of cities relate to an overall study of American history?
2. What was a sweat shop? What industries had sweat shops? Who worked there? What work took place there? What were the conditions? What were the wages?
3. What is the difference between workers who are "organized" versus "unorganized"? What was the significance of being organized? What did workers do once they were organized?
4. Describe the events leading up to and during the Haymarket Riot? Who rioted? Why did the riot occur? How did public officials respond? Did any changes come about? How was the Haymarket Riot symbolic of the conditions within cities?
5. What details of city life are illuminated in Sister Carrie? What details are obscured? How can a novel be a window into history? How is Sister Carrie useful as a historical text? What are its strengths; what are its shortcomings?

1.What does it mean when a writer has a "bias"? Would you expect a writer of fiction to have a bias? What kind of biases are appropriate for writers and which aren't? What biases has Dreiser been purported to have? Do you think the charges are substantial?
2. What was the publishing process for Sister Carrie? What position did Doubleday take? What position did Dreiser take? How was it resolved? Evaluate the fairness of Doubleday's actions. Consider current events related to censorship or academic freedom. What would Dreiser have to say?
3. What is naturalism? What is realism? What elements do each contain?
4.Draw some connections between Sister Carrie and realism? What philosophy is behind the writing style?
5. Draw some connections between Dreiser's writing style, the publishing process and the public reception of Sister Carrie. To what degree did the public appreciate his style? What about critics? What makes him relevant today?

1. What language did Dreiser speak at home? What was his religious background? Social class? How did his background affect his political and social views?
2. What political causes affected Dreiser? How did it impact his choices as a writer?
3. What events did he react to? What were his reactions? What cultural and social changes were underpinning the events which bothered him? Did he offer any alternative visions?
4. What are Dreiser's "American-types"? How would Dreiser define American?
5. What values and principles did Dreiser consistently adhere to in his life and work? Compare Dreiser to other writers or artists working today.