What: a short research paper on a topic you may select from the list below

Possible Topics: Black Lives Matter Movement, Policing of Black Communities, Racialized Drug Polices (esp. related to crack, cocaine, heroin, meth), Environmental Racism, Black athletes and activism/Black athletes as new form of slavery, Race and Beauty Standards, New Jim Crow, Voter Disenfranchisement, Political parties and Black communities

Format: 4 -5 pages plus bibliography of all resources used. The paper must be your own research, with proper citations throughout, double-spaced, 11-12 point font, with standard 1 inch margins. Your bibliography must include at least 5 resources from various sources, not just web sources.

How: In addition to presenting research on your topic, I will also look for you to integrate class discussions, themes, and/or reading material in your discussion. Use the following list as examples of class themes and ideas around which you might want to focus your paper. This list is not exhaustive, and you may remember other themes with which you wish to connect, but these may give you some ideas:

Possible Themes:

Micro-aggressions

Double-consciousness

Black womanhood

The Crooked Room

Black Nationalism

Racial Authenticity and Respectability

If you are having difficulty deciding on a topic/thesis, or discerning appropriate resources, speak to me about it. Don’t wait until the last minute!

Evaluation/Grading: The paper is worth 20 points. It will be evaluated on the following details:

Presentation: spelling, grammar, proper format, proof read your work

Quality of Research: Use at least 5 different quality resources, not just websites! Go to the library and talk to librarians!

Cogency: Do you have a clearly stated strong thesis? How well have you supported it with evidence/examples/research? Have you demonstrated awareness of the counter-argument to the one you are making? To what extent have you integrated class material into your paper? Do your ideas transition smoothly from one to another?