American Literature classes often begin with the study of the literature of the explorers and settlers of the United States. In this unit, students with study and analyze writings that pertain to the original 1781 settlers of their home: Los Angeles.

This activity focuses on the following California State Standards for English Language Arts: 2.0 Reading Comprehension Comprehension and Analysis of Grade-Level-Appropriate Text 2.2 Analyze the way in which clarity of meaning is affected by the patterns of organization, hierarchical structures, repetition of the main ideas, syntax, and word choice in the text. 2.3 Verify and clarify facts presented in other types of expository texts by using a variety of consumer, workplace, and public documents. 2.4 Make warranted and reasonable assertions about the author's arguments by using elements of the text to defend and clarify interpretations. 2.5 Analyze an author's implicit and explicit philosophical assumptions and beliefs about a subject. Expository Critique 2.6 Critique the power, validity, and truthfulness of arguments set forth in public documents; their appeal to both friendly and hostile audiences; and the extent to which the arguments anticipate and address reader concerns and counterclaims (e.g., appeal to reason, to authority, to pathos and emotion).