AP African American Studies Reading and Writing Workshop
Reading and Writing Workshop
Contemporary African American Culture and Politics, using public domain works, including Short Answer Questions (SAQs) and Document-Based Questions (DBQs) for AP African American Studies:
Workshop Overview:
This workshop is designed to deepen understanding of contemporary African American culture and politics. Students will engage with primary source materials, explore significant cultural and political shifts, and critically analyze the ongoing struggles for civil rights and equality. The readings and assignments will focus on critical issues such as race, identity, and political activism.
Objectives:
Lesson 1: The Civil Rights Movement and Political Activism
Reading 1: Excerpt from The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois
W.E.B. Du Bois writes about the struggles of African Americans in the early 20th century. Though this was written in 1903, Du Bois' reflections on race and equality set the stage for later movements in contemporary African American culture and politics.
Discussion:
Lesson 2: African American Art, Identity, and Representation
Reading 2: Excerpt from The New Negro by Alain Locke
Locke explores the emerging intellectual and cultural movements in the Harlem Renaissance. He celebrates African American identity and culture while confronting racial stereotypes.
Discussion:
Lesson 3: The Politics of Race and Contemporary Movements
Reading 3: Excerpt from The Autobiography of Malcolm X (Public Domain sections)
Malcolm X’s transformation from a street hustler to a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement provides insight into African American political activism. His later reflections on race relations challenge the norms of his time.
Discussion:
Lesson 4: Race, Media, and Contemporary Culture
Reading 4: Excerpt from Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington
Though written in the early 20th century, Washington’s thoughts on education, work, and race relations still influence discussions about African American identity and culture today.
Discussion:
Final Assignment:
Essay Prompt:
Assessment Rubric:
Contemporary African American Culture and Politics, using public domain works, including Short Answer Questions (SAQs) and Document-Based Questions (DBQs) for AP African American Studies:
Workshop Overview:
This workshop is designed to deepen understanding of contemporary African American culture and politics. Students will engage with primary source materials, explore significant cultural and political shifts, and critically analyze the ongoing struggles for civil rights and equality. The readings and assignments will focus on critical issues such as race, identity, and political activism.
Objectives:
- Analyze key public domain works related to contemporary African American culture and politics.
- Develop critical thinking through SAQs and DBQs.
- Engage with primary sources to explore the historical context and current issues.
- Build writing skills through document-based analysis and structured responses.
Lesson 1: The Civil Rights Movement and Political Activism
Reading 1: Excerpt from The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. Du Bois
W.E.B. Du Bois writes about the struggles of African Americans in the early 20th century. Though this was written in 1903, Du Bois' reflections on race and equality set the stage for later movements in contemporary African American culture and politics.
Discussion:
- How does Du Bois describe the "veil" and the "double consciousness"? What do these concepts reveal about the African American experience in both his time and today?
- In what ways do Du Bois' arguments anticipate the political activism of later generations, particularly in the 1960s and today?
- How does Du Bois explain the relationship between African Americans and white America in The Souls of Black Folk? Provide one example of how this relationship is depicted in the text.
- Analyze Du Bois’ views on education and political activism in The Souls of Black Folk and how they might relate to contemporary movements like Black Lives Matter. Use evidence from the text to support your argument.
Lesson 2: African American Art, Identity, and Representation
Reading 2: Excerpt from The New Negro by Alain Locke
Locke explores the emerging intellectual and cultural movements in the Harlem Renaissance. He celebrates African American identity and culture while confronting racial stereotypes.
Discussion:
- What role does art play in shaping African American identity in the context of Locke's essay?
- How do Locke’s ideas about the "New Negro" relate to the ways in which African Americans today express themselves through culture and politics?
- What does Alain Locke mean by the "New Negro"? How does this concept challenge traditional stereotypes of African Americans?
- Compare Locke's vision of the "New Negro" in the Harlem Renaissance with modern African American political movements. How does the idea of African American identity in Locke's time inform contemporary political and cultural expressions?
Lesson 3: The Politics of Race and Contemporary Movements
Reading 3: Excerpt from The Autobiography of Malcolm X (Public Domain sections)
Malcolm X’s transformation from a street hustler to a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement provides insight into African American political activism. His later reflections on race relations challenge the norms of his time.
Discussion:
- What is Malcolm X’s perspective on race, and how does it differ from more mainstream civil rights views, like those of Martin Luther King Jr.?
- How do his ideas about empowerment and self-reliance resonate in the context of modern political movements such as Black Lives Matter?
- How does Malcolm X describe the relationship between African Americans and white society? How do his views evolve throughout his life?
- In The Autobiography of Malcolm X, the author reflects on his experiences and beliefs about race and power. Compare his ideas with those found in more contemporary African American political movements, such as Black Lives Matter. What continuities and changes do you observe in the struggle for racial justice?
Lesson 4: Race, Media, and Contemporary Culture
Reading 4: Excerpt from Up From Slavery by Booker T. Washington
Though written in the early 20th century, Washington’s thoughts on education, work, and race relations still influence discussions about African American identity and culture today.
Discussion:
- How does Washington emphasize the importance of education and vocational training for African Americans? How do these views connect to contemporary debates on the role of education in African American communities?
- What insights from Washington’s approach might be applied to contemporary discussions about race, media representation, and cultural pride?
- What is Booker T. Washington’s stance on the best way to achieve social and economic equality for African Americans? Provide an example of his approach from the text.
- In Up From Slavery, Washington advocates for a pragmatic approach to race relations. How might his approach differ from that of more radical figures like Malcolm X or modern advocates of racial justice? Compare their strategies and goals.
Final Assignment:
Essay Prompt:
- Contemporary African American Culture and Politics: Past and Present Connections
Write a 4-5 page essay that explores the development of African American culture and political activism from the Harlem Renaissance through the Civil Rights Movement to the present. In your essay, analyze how historical figures like Du Bois, Locke, Washington, and Malcolm X have influenced modern movements such as Black Lives Matter. Use evidence from the readings to support your argument.
Assessment Rubric:
- Comprehension (20%): Demonstrating understanding of the readings.
- Analysis (30%): Ability to critically analyze themes and ideas.
- Argumentation (30%): Clear, coherent, and well-supported argument.
- Writing Quality (20%): Organized, clear, and free from errors.