Conclusion -- African American Poets

THE FINAL PROJECT

Wrapping it all up

African American Poetry Unit
Final Project

Students will prepare an oral presentation on their favorite African American poet. It can be someone studied in class, or it can be someone they have found on their own (including rap). The oral presentation should be no more than five minutes, and will run on Tuesday and Wednesday of next week (Monday will be a work day). You should be ready to go on Tuesday. The presentation should include a brief biography of the poet, a critical look at at least two poems of the poet (not including the one you perform. you may do this part by quoting a few lines of the poem and demonstrating continuation of themes, for example), a well-rehearsed presentation of a poem, an understanding of the history of the time. Students will be graded on both these content areas, as well as performance areas -- if the presentation and poem performance look to be rehearsed, if there is some sort of effective visual, if eye contact is made, if the student speaks slowly and clearly, and if the student keeps the intended audience interested.

There will be no paper or sources turned in for this assignment. The only thing to be turned in will be the visual item used in the presentation. This should, at the minimum, contain at least one picture of the poet (there are some spots where this is impossible; if this is impossible, the student should see the teacher before the presentation) and the poem that is performed. Anything else is going beyond the requirements. Everything else may be done off of notecards (or other cue) and need not be turned in.

The project will be graded on the rubric included below.

Good website to use to prepare for this presentation:
http://www.aalbc.com

Use Google to search for more. There are sources for the poet you're looking for!

Note: If you use rap, please do not include for your a performance a rap that includes either excessive swearing (if you have to wonder about it, it's probably excessive) or misogynistic or sexist lyrics. If students have a question, they should see the teacher.

Oral Presentation of POETRY
Scoring Criteria

CONTENT

______ (/10) 1. The presentation covers the major events in the life of the poet.

______ (/10) 2. The presentation shows an understanding of the history of the time.

______ (/10) 3. The presentation includes a critical look at at least three poems of the poet.

______ (/10) 4. The presentation includes of a performance of one poem.

______ (/10) 5. The presentation includes information on why the student chose that particular poet (why they feel connected to the poet's work).

DELIVERY

______ (/10) 5. The presentation is well rehearsed.

______ (/10) 6. The student uses an effective visual.

______ (/10) 7. The student makes eye contact for most of the presentation.

______ (/10) 8. The student speaks slowly, clearly, and loud enough for all to hear.

______ (/10) 9. The student keeps the intended audience interested.

TOTAL

______ (/100)

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