Modernism/The Harlem Renaissance

Modernism/The Harlem Renaissance

Length: 5-6 pages (approximately 1,500 2,000 words) MLA

In this research paper, we have two options for research:

Option 1: Modernism Option: In this option, you will clearly explain the characteristics of American Modernism in literature and the significance of the movement in the American canon. In the process, he or she will choose three authors from the list below, select one work located in the Norton Anthology listed (stories listed as well) from each chosen author, and prove that the work is representative of American Modernism. Possible authors for this assignment include F. Scott Fitzgerald -Winter Dreams, T.S. Eliot -The Hollow Men, Sherwood Anderson -Hands, William Faulkner -Barn Burning, Ernest Hemingway -The Snows of Kilimanjaro, and Willa Cather -The Sculptors Funeral.

Option 2: The Harlem Renaissance Option: In this option, you will explore how the Harlem Renaissance influenced subsequent American literature. The paper should explore the contributions of at least two of the following authors: Zora Neale Hurston -The Gilded Six-Bits, Langston Hughes -The Negro Speaks of Rivers, Jean Toomer -Cane, Richard Wright -The Man Who Was Almost a Man, and Ralph Ellison -Invisible Man. Furthermore, the paper should clearly explain how the works of the chosen authors aided the cause of African American social equality and clearly explain and provide evidence of the influence these works and writings had on subsequent American writers.

After selecting one of these options, you should begin collecting and evaluating reliable sources to help them in the writing of their paper. Depending upon the chosen option, you will structure the paper to make it as effective as possible in achieving its goal. To be clear, in option 1, I am looking for strong textual evidence from the selected literary works that can justify each as being an example of American Realist literature. In option 2, I am most interested in reading a concise comparison between the views and contributions of the two leaders with the majority of the paper focusing on how their social activism influenced other African American writers. I expect to read/see clear evidence of this influence in literary works from other African American authors.

In composing this paper, you must use a minimum of five sources and may use no more than seven sources. In any case, two of these sources must be from Norton Anthology 1865-present which I have. In other words, at least two of the sources must be primary sources. The remaining secondary sources should be located from reliable locations (library, AVL, reputable website or database, etc.). Any secondary source should be evaluated using the CRAAP test document located in this weeks module to ensure the source meets reliability standards.

All sources listed on the final bibliography must be cited in the research paper and documented on the Works Cited page according to MLA guidelines. Source material should be used sparingly as evidence to support the writers opinions and thesis. Source material (either quoted or paraphrased) should not exceed 20% of the total paper. In other, words the vast majority of the paper should be the writers original thoughts on the topic.

Option 2 would be a lot of fun!!

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