Sample Paper Assessment
This assignment will be an argumentative explication of A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry and due on November 2nd by 6pm. Each paper should have a clearly stated thesis and will not contain “I,” “we,” or “me” (first person).
Specific Guidelines
4-5 typed pages
2 outside sources minimum
1 inch margins
Times New Roman, 12 font
Must include Works Cited
Must follow MLA Formatting
Prompts
Explore gender roles in the play. What does this tell the audience about American culture in the 1950s/60s? Historical context is recommended but not required.
The play opens with a poem by Langston Hughes. Explicate this poem and explore how it relates to the primary text.
One could argue that this play is all about power and control. How are both power and control showcased throughout? Who has the most power? Why? Do the power and control shift at any time?
Set after the Second World War, A Raisin in the Sun details segregation as it pertains to housing and finances without explicitly stating that the Younger’s hardships are due to segregation and American racism/Jim Crow. Why? What is the purpose of this? Historical context is recommended but not required.
Come up with your own!
Sample Creative Assessment
For your fourth and final assignment, you will be tasked with coming up with a 3-6 minute presentation to give in front of the class. You cannot go under or over the time limit.
Your presentation can done solo or in a group (maximum 3 people per group) and be in any of the following formats:
Pre-recorded (and edited) video
Audio recording
Stand up in class and deliver a lecture (with Slides, Canva, or other visual cues)
Perform an original sketch or scene
The presentations can be on ANY film we have worked with this semester, and you may include more than one. However, your argument must be cohesive, clear, and answer the following questions:
Why did you choose this film?
What does your film say/argue? What does it want its audience to think about after watching?
Why is this important?
Why was the film culturally significant (during its time or after its release and distribution)?
Why did the director make the choices he/she/they made?
Anything else you find relevant.
I am looking for you to answer the questions, cite your sources effectively, and think critically about the material. At the project’s core, you must do those three things in order to pass. Creativity is encouraged.