American War Quiz; Discussion; Race Presentation Project

After taking your open-book test during period 1, if you finish before the end of the period, please read the handout articles on Frantz Fanon, Paul Gilroy, and Elijah Anderson's philosophy/sociology for additional sources for your presentation.

When all tests are submitted, we will have a discussion on the book. Remember that you will receive a grade for your participation in this discussion. You should place your "pennies" in the dish as instructed.

American War discussion - A Penny for your Thoughts!

• The book has two epigraphs. The first reads, "The one you must punish is the one who punishes you." from The Book of Songs by 10th-century poet Kitab al-Aghani. How does this epigraph set the tone for the book and prepare us for events in the book?
• How effective was the author in setting up his setting for the narrative? What elements of the setting (locations, time, season, weather, items/props, etc.) are most vivid? How does the author establish this in the novel?
• The narration of the novel is framed in the first person as a retrospective. Benjamin Chestnut is looking back (flashback) on his aunt's experience growing up. How does this narration aid in the storytelling? Is it an effective choice--why or why not? How might the novel be different with a different narrative structure? (some examples: linear, frame narrative, multiple perspective, alternating or parallel timelines, circular narrative, reverse chronological narrative, dual time-frame, epic structure, etc.) 
• Discuss the effectiveness of the character of Sarat. Do you like this character? Why/why not? Is it important to like the character--why or why not? How does the author humanize or dehumanize the character?
• By contrast, how are the other characters foils for Sarat? Which characters do you identify with (if any) and why?
• How does Sarat's story echo the hero's journey?
• How does the author balance the story of war with the stories of each member of the Chestnut family? Is this effective? Why/why not?
• Occasionally, Akkad surprises the reader with a poetic or startlingly vivid passage. Find one of these in the book. Let's share them.
• Akkad has said that there was no way to "write this story with a happy ending." Do you agree? Why or why not?
• What is our fascination with Apocalyptic narratives? Is this a positive or negative trend--why? Will we see this book as prophetic in 50 years? Why or why not? 

Race Presentation Project:

Refer to the handouts on Fanon, Gilroy, Anderson, Lincoln, Garvey, Galton, Malcolm X, MLK, Jr., TaNehisi Coates, TedX talks, articles/videos, etc. and other sources to support your presentation ideas. 

How to go about this...

• As with anything that requires critical thinking, you want to brainstorm your ideas first. Work with your group to exhaust all the possible questions (see post from last class!) on the issue. Write down the most important issues surrounding race relations in America. [Again, you can use the articles, op-ed docs, videos, etc. as places to start...what do these speakers/writers say could help?]
• Narrow down your focus by choosing a single path forward. Which idea do you favor? Take that one and start examining what would be involved in enacting this policy. Yes, there are a variety of ways to attempt to solve this problem, but you will focus on one of them--not all. This will help you focus your presentation. Some questions to consider:
• What is the situation now/status quo? 
• What must happen before, during, or after this idea is put into place? 
• What resources would this idea need to be successful? 
• Put yourself in someone else's shoes--how might this idea be received by our American culture/citizens? 
• Is this idea targeting a specific group? If so, which one(s) and what is their expected role in solving the problem?
• What problems do you foresee in getting this idea off the ground? What might be needed to move the issue towards a solution? You should consider other ideologies--like free will, etc.
• Consider how you will encode your message. What will you present to the class? This could be a speech (TedX talk), a op-ed doc, a video, a slide show, a pod-cast discussion (radio program, etc.), a children's book, a slam poem, a creative non-fiction essay, a magazine article or journalism article, a research paper, a commercial or PSA, a guidebook, an advice column, a symposium (a conversation between the members with the rest of us listening; ex. fishbowl, etc,), a philosophical treatise, a manifesto, an interactive game show, etc. Be creative!
• Each group member should be active in helping complete the project on time. Divide up tasks as necessary and fairly. Pull your weight. You will be evaluating yourself and your partner(s) at the end of this assignment. 
• Each presentation will be examined by the class after the presentation is given. We will be discussing each group's approach to solve this problem. I'll explain/cover this part of the assignment later.
• Aim to complete your presentation the week of April 8 (8, 10, 12); Portfolios are also due on April 12. Any written draft for this project can be added to your 3rd marking period portfolio.

HOMEWORK: Portfolios are due April 12; Presentations are due the week of April 8.