african american literature 2

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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).

Option 1

Explore one genre of African American literature. Define the boundaries of the genre (i.e. what makes a spiritual into a spiritual or what makes folk tale). Discuss how the genre has evolved and possibly changed, how it may have been used originally and how it may be used now.

Discuss two to three examples of the genre and how they fit it or how they push the boundaries.

Even though we are not reading the hip hop section at the moment, you could read that section and discuss hip hop (including rap) as a vernacular genre of African American literature.

You may use Gates’ introductions and descriptions he provides. You may also do outside research if you would like to discuss examples that are not included in the book. If you do include outside sources, include a Works Cited page including those sources.

Include quotes from your examples and explain how they illustrate the genre and/or challenge it.

Option 2

Focus on the slave spirituals and their history. Explore both their religious, cultural, social meanings as well as the various documented “double meanings.”

Discuss two to three examples. If you decide to discuss “Follow the Gourd,” make sure to include the argument that this history has been either exaggerated or fabricated. I recommend searching JSTOR (a journal database available through the UA library) as it has articles on this topic.

How are spirituals used now? Who sings them and why? What is their current and continued cultural relevance for African American literature and culture as well American culture as a whole?

You may consider their contentions to contemporary religious expressions.

You may also do outside research if you would like to discuss examples that are not included in the book. If you do include outside sources, include a Works Cited page including those sources.

Due date: See Syllabus and Course Calendar

Remember you have the Think Tank to help with essay writing, as well as several writing files under our Content section.

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