Courage, determination and the power of hope
Breaking barriers
Reflective question (T-R8)
Click on video 1 and watch 'I have a dream' speech by Martin Luther King in 1963.
a) What, do you think, does Martin Luther King mean by 'I have a dream'? b) Do you think the dream, Martin Luther King articulates, has come true for African Americans? Why (not)? |
Click on video 2 and watch the introductory part (till 1.39) of 'The African Americans - many rivers to cross'
c) Henry Louis Gates connects black pride with the American Dream. Does Martin Luther King mean the same thing when he articulates his 'I have a dream' ? Describe why you (don't) think so. Note: Click on the underlined words for more information. |
Assignment - collaboration (T-A7)
You have read Color Purple and Beloved. Write an article for The Washington Post in which you explain why Alice Walker and Toni Morrison are contributors of 'black women's literary renaissance' (click on the underlined words) and how their books, Color Purple and Beloved are reflections of it. In your article you touch upon the following points:
- 1. background information on Alice Walker and Toni Morrison;
- 2. inspiration for writing Color Purple and Beloved (click on image 1 and 2);
- 3. consciousness of African-American women;
- 4. growth of the woman's movement.
Final assignment - argumentative essay (T-A8)
At the end of this lesson series you have explored the black history and identity in different ways. This exploration provides a context for understanding Celie's and Sethe's hardships and challenges. What do you think, have Celie and Sethe found their identity? Write an argumentative essay about this. Your argumentative essay of 700 words incorporates:
In the teacher's section you will find the rubric with which your essay will be assessed. Read this before you start writing your essay.
- 1. your thoughts about Celie's and Sethe's coping with traumatic experiences and their personal development;
- 2. courage, determination and hope as main ideas;
- 3. clear references of the information in the previous sections (preparation lessons and classes).
In the teacher's section you will find the rubric with which your essay will be assessed. Read this before you start writing your essay.