Harlem Renaissance : the 20s

In the early 1900's, particularly in the 1920's, African-American literature, art, music, dance and social commentary began to flourish in Harlem, a section of New York City.  This African-American cultural movement became known as "The New Negro Movement" and later as the Harlem Renaissance.  More than a literary movement, the Harlem Renaissance exalted the unique culture of African-Americans and redefined African-American expression.  African-Americans were encouraged to celebrate their heritage.

The main factors contributing to the development of the Harlem Renaissance were African-American urban migration, trends toward experimentation throughout the country, and the rise of radical African-American intellectuals.

The Harlem Renaissance transformed African-American identity and history, but it also transformed American culture in general.  Never before had so many Americans read the thoughts of African-Americans and embraced the African-American community's productions, expressions, and style.

Choose a Subject:  

Depending on your interests, select one of the following Artists

NOTE:  This is a partial list.  Look at the Harlem Renaissance sites and books.  Feel free to choose whoever is of interest to you.  A brief proposal explaining your choice and how you would like to present his/her work to the class is due after the first library day.

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Research:

Choose Sources in the blue sidebar as you are working on this project.  Also, peruse the bibliography of books we have available in the library. 

During the Research Process, you must take notes and create source cards for your information.  These notes will be a part of your grade, so use the correct format and have them prepared on time.  

You must have a Works Cited page.  Failure to have one will result in your failure for this assignment.

During the course of your research of the Harlem Renaissance, you will create 2 distinct products.  

Project 1:  Select a poem by a Harlem Renaissance poet and analyze it by discussing all of the elements of poetry: 

	persona
	sound devices
	imagery
	figurative language

Tell how each of these elements contributes to the meaning of the poem.

Use your previous group essay and the information on pages 906 & 907 in your text to assist you.

You should also consider the historical context of the poet and the poem. 

This is an individual assignment.

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Project 2:  Your second project is a multimedia presentation involving literature, art, music (instrumental, vocal or dance/theater) of the Harlem Renaissance.

You may choose to do this solo or with the help of 1 or 2 partners.

This presentation can take many forms; your imagination should be your guide.  It must, however, include visuals in more than one medium.  

You may choose to create:

	time line and a music CD
	original video and a role-play of an interview with the artist(s)
	PowerPoint presentation and a reading of the artist's works
	Feel free to sing, play a musical instrument, act out a theatrical performance, dance, etc.  Use props and costumes, if you wish.

Your presentation must have a theme which explores the African-American experience.  It should not be simply a collection of facts about a particular artist or movement of the Harlem Renaissance.

Please Note:

If you choose to work in a small group for this portion of the unit, please divide the work equally.  No one person should shoulder the bulk of the load.  Part of your grade will include an evaluation by the other team members.

If things aren't working out in your group, you have the option to quit the group and proceed on your own. 

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Materials List:

	Note Cards
	Poster Board
	Audio cassette or CD
	Diskette
	Easels
	Markers
	Paints

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Timeline:

Rubric: