Racism+ELA+Assignment+1

Assignment 1: Visions of Racism

Time needed: Two 90 minute Project block

Key Idea: Understanding racism as it relates to human interaction

Key Vocabulary: mood, tone, setting, point of view

//Day 1// Procedure: Teacher will begin class by reviewing the definition of racism. The class will then discuss their own experiences with racism, either as party or witness. The class will then read “On the Meaning of Progress” by W.E.B. DuBois, available here:

http://www.bartleby.com/114/4.html

The class will then answer the following key questions (in a format determined by the instructor):


 * What is progress, DuBois defines it?
 * How does DuBois use literary tools such as mood, tone and style to illustrate his point?
 * How does DuBois’s viewpoint change as the story progresses?

//Day 2// Procedure: The class will review the reading, definition and discussions from the previous day. Students will then read “Letter from Mecca” by Malcolm X, available here:

http://members.aol.com/klove01/meccaltr.htm

The class will then answer the following key questions (in a format determined by the instructor).


 * How does setting affect Malcolm X’s vision of race and racism?
 * What are the key differences between Malcolm X’s vision and WEB DuBois’s?
 * Of these two writers, which point of view do students see as more valid?