Midterm Project -- Advanced Literature

Advanced Literature – Midterm Project

Due September 11^th, 2013

In order to gain a stronger perspective of the context of Their Eyes Were Watching God, you will research a particular time period surrounding the story. This examination will allow you and your classmates to better understand the interactions, events, characters, and setting of our focus novel.

Assignment:

Part One

Your first task is to research the culture and society of the American South during your chosen time period. The time periods you may choose are as follows:

1850-1860	Pre-Civil War
1861-1865	Civil War
1866-1877	Reconstruction
1878-1914	Pre-World War I
1915-1939	World War I, Pre-World War II

You will research the time period using at least four different sources. You should try to answer the following questions, in addition to including any other information you think is relevant:

·      What is the political atmosphere during this time? ·      What is the racial atmosphere during this time? ·      What is the economic atmosphere during this time? ·      What sort of events are contributing to upcoming conflicts? What events are a consequence of preceding conflicts?

·      What is the cultural atmosphere (e.g., art, music, literature, etc.) during this time? ·      What is the state of gender relations during this time? ·      How do you see the characteristics, ideology, or ideals of this society reflected in Their Eyes Were Watching God?

You may use any reliable resource, including books, the Internet, and people with a credible background. However, all your research must be documented. Any information that you gather from any source outside of your own knowledge needs to be properly cited. The citations should be in MLA format: consult Shane or Purdue OWL (http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/) for information on proper citations.

Part Two

Your second task is to compile your research into a project of your choice which demonstrates your new understanding of the time period. Possible projects include, but are not limited to:

·      a traditional essay

·      a PowerPoint presentation

·      a timeline with photos

·      an illustrated poster including important information

·      a song or other musical depiction

I am entirely open to other ideas for this section of the project; just make sure you get approval first.

You will present your project to the class on either September 16^th or 18^th, 2013.

Tips for success on this project:

·      Start early. The more time you allow yourself, the better your research and project will be.

·      Ask questions. I’m here to support you throughout this project—you are absolutely welcome to ask for help, to bounce ideas off me, or to just chat.

·      Set aside time to work on this project outside of class. While you will have some time to work in class, you will not be able to create an A quality project in class-time alone.