American Literature Mount Rushmore Project | End of Year American Lit Capstone
American Literature Mount Rushmore Project | End of Year American Lit Capstone
American Literature Mount Rushmore Project: Who Deserves a Place in Stone?
Looking for a meaningful end-of-year American Literature project that encourages critical thinking, literary analysis, research, and persuasive writing?
In this engaging capstone activity, students are challenged to answer one compelling question:
If America created a Literary Mount Rushmore, which four American authors deserve a place on the monument?
Students will research the history and purpose of Mount Rushmore, establish their own criteria for literary greatness, evaluate the authors studied throughout the year, and create a Literary Mount Rushmore featuring four authors they believe have had the greatest impact on American literature and culture.
To strengthen their argument, students must also complete a "Controversial Exclusion" section by identifying an important author they intentionally left off their monument and defending that decision with evidence.
This project combines literary analysis, research, persuasive writing, creativity, and critical thinking into one memorable end-of-year assignment.
What's Included?
✔ Project overview and student directions
✔ Research activity about Mount Rushmore
✔ Essential question and project expectations
✔ Literary selection criteria organizer
✔ Author brainstorming page
✔ Author evaluation and planning pages
✔ "Controversial Exclusion" activity
✔ Creative project planning page
✔ Persuasive written defense assignment
✔ Essay planning organizer
✔ Reflection questions
✔ 100-point grading rubric
Project Formats Students May Choose
- Google Slides
- PowerPoint
- Canva Presentation
- Poster
- Infographic
- Brochure
- Proposal Pitch
- Teacher-approved alternative
Skills Covered
- Literary Analysis
- Argumentative Writing
- Research Skills
- Critical Thinking
- Evidence-Based Reasoning
- Author Evaluation
- Presentation Skills
- Reflection & Synthesis
Perfect For:
⭐ End-of-Year American Literature Review
⭐ American Literature Capstone Projects
⭐ Final Exam Alternatives
⭐ Independent Projects
⭐ Honors & Advanced ELA Classes
⭐ Student Choice Assignments
Why You’ll Love It
This project encourages students to reflect on everything they have learned throughout the year while defending their opinions with evidence. Because there is no single correct answer, students engage in authentic literary debate and meaningful discussion about which authors have truly shaped American literature.
If you use this resource, please leave a review — it helps other teachers find it and lets me know what to create next. Thank you for supporting independent educators!
© 2026 The Bewitched Teacher. For single-classroom use. Please purchase additional licenses for sharing with colleagues.