English 11—African American Poetry Unit

Culminating Assignment—200 Points

Due March 5th to be eligible for an “A,” March 6th - 9th to be eligible for less than an “A.” Not accepted after March 12th.

SUGGESTED WEB SITES FOR POEMS CAN BE FOUND AT MY POETRY HOT LIST COMPILED ESPECIALLY FOR THIS UNIT.

(Note: This Project will have a significant effect on your Third Quarter Grade)  

**** The Essay—140 pts.

In order to demonstrate your ability to “analyze the way in which the theme or meaning of a selection represents a view or comment on life using textual evidence to support the claim,” you will write a comparison and contrast essay. This essay will compare the ways in which two different poets address a particular view on life through a poem we have studied. Your essay must be typed and follow MLA manuscript guidelines. Use the following guidelines to help you write you essay.

1. Introduction —usually a single paragraph, provides the titles of the poems and names of the authors. It also includes your thesis statement, in which you explain briefly how the worldviews and philosophical assumptions of the two poets are alike or different.
2. Body —is the part where you explain the information you’ve gathered on your World View / Philosophical Assumption matrix, including textual evidence. Make sure you discuss at least two different elements for each poem. You might want to devote a separate paragraph to each poem.
3. Conclusion —sum up your major points, and add a personal response; answer the question: “How has engaging with this poetry changed your world view or philosophical assumptions?”

**** Analyzing and Interpreting An Additional Poem—30 pts.

Use the skills we’ve been learning and practicing to tackle a poem or song of your choice. The only requirement is that it be a poem or song by an African American poet or song writer. Be sure to look for how the writer is using poetic techniques, analyze those techniques, and write a brief interpretation of the poem. All of this analysis and interpretation may be done right on a copy of the poem or song.

**** Include Two of Your Own Poems—20 pts.

Please include two of your own poems at the end of your book. I like reading them, and I hope that you have learned some new techniques for getting your point across poetically!

**** Creative Cover—10 pts.

Please create a decorative cover for this project. Title your project, perhaps based on the world view or a philosophical assumption that you have been working with. Be sure your name and period number appear somewhere on the outside of the cover.

CONTACT MR. McMOYLER (mcmoyler@att.net) with questions.