ASSIGNMENT:

English is a literary survey course that focuses on African American writers and their works. We are exposed to culture, beliefs, and writing styles in one short semester. Unfortunately, we do not have enough time to cover every significant body of literature. Although I have chosen certain readings, I may have passed over something of great interest to you.

Critical Thinking Questions (Topics of Choice):

Choose one of the following questions to develop the thoughts and ideas for your Research paper (Essay Two).

1. Consider the varying viewpoints on slavery converging in America through the lens of one of the authors.

2. How does African American literature make a significant contribution to the world?

3. Analyze the emerging role of women in African American literary history.

You must also utilize at least four authoritative secondary sources (ideally two on each work). Be certain to use proper MLA documentation methods for essay format, in-text citations, and works cited.

Your Research Paper has been designed to (among other things) help you: practice finding sources of information by authorities on a subject, establish adequate note-taking techniques, insure you are capable of properly synthesizing information from your reading and research into your own written analysis, and verify you are capable of using the proper MLA style. Thus, your Research Paper is an essay that integrates (synthesizes) information from other sources with your ideas. You will be evaluating the material you have researched and leading your reader toward a considered opinion or conclusion. In other words, you will use this material to support your thesis the same way that you have used ideas and examples to support your ideas in the essays you composed.