Question Description
In an essay of 1200 or more words (4-5 pages) consider one of the following essay prompts. Include a Works Cited page for all outside sources (besides the textbook). You may also use my lectures or the articles on d2l to help you discuss your choices.
Option 1: The Thinkers: Washington, Du Bois, Locke, Garvey
Compare and contrast the ideas of two or more of the important African American philosophers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. Du Bois, Alain Locke, and Marcus Garvey are four we are covering in class. How do these writers imagine an African American future? What are their major ideas (including slogans such as “the talented tenth” and “cast down your bucket where you stand”)? How do they compare with one another? What were the conflicts amongst the notable African American thinkers of the time?
Option 2: The Writers of the Harlem Renaissance
Focus on one or two of the writers of the Harlem Renaissance. This can include authors we have covered in class and/or those we have not covered. What were their major works and artistic contributions? What were their influences and who has been influenced by them since? What major themes do they discuss in their work? What images of African American life do they develop and create in their writings? You might consider focusing on women writers, such as Hurston and Bonner, or perhaps poets such as Claude McKay or Langston Hughes.
These prompts will require research outside of our textbook. I recommend the UA library online resources and databases as well as the librarians themselves.
Remember you have the Think Tank to help with essay writing, as well as several writing files under our Content section.
Due Date: See Syllabus
Remember the Standard Organization of Formal/Academic Papers:
Name, Date, Assignment: left justified at the very top of the first page
Page Numbers: last name and page number, top right corner (open the header)
Provide a Title: at the top of the first page, one line above the introduction.
Introduction: with a thesis statement that announces your topic and sets out the points
you will support with your Illustrations and Explanations.
Body Paragraphs (4 to 6 at least): Each with a Topic Sentence that links back to the
the Thesis Statement.
Conclusion: The purpose of a conclusion is to remind the readers of your main idea. Do not just restate your thesis. Remind readers of the significance of this song.
Works Cited Page: include citations for your sources
