INSTRUCTIONS
Before you begin, review the discussion guidelines and sample discussion post located in the Course Overview section. Unless your instructor specifies otherwise, choose ONE of the following questions to answer, and then give a substantive response to at least TWO other students or the professor. Aim for around 300 words per initial discussion post. A substantive response is not just a one-liner post that agrees or compliments your peer. Instead, substantive posts ask relevant questions, offer new insights, and dig deeper into the topic in order to create an academic discussion. Aim for around 100 words in each response.
Note that academic weeks at UMGC begin on Wednesdays and end on Tuesdays. Initial discussion posts are due by Saturday at 11:30PM ET and at least two responses to fellow classmates are expected by the end of the week on Tuesday by 11:30PM ET.
Week 4
- Discuss the importance of the Harlem Renaissance. Identify at least three African Americans who made significant literary contributions and discuss their works.
- Explain the concept of the New Negro. Why was this important? How and why do you think African American identity has evolved within the last century?
- How did African American artists in the past use their fame and platforms to further the cause of social justice? How do you think this compares with current African American artists? Why were so many Harlem Renaissance artists and writers socialists and communists?
- Discuss the importance of African American visual artists and their contributions to the national and global artistic landscape. In your answer, be sure to focus on the potential impact of the censorship or omission of Black creativity and expression.
- Discuss the portrayal of African Americans on the stage, radio, television, and film from the 19th century to the middle of the 20th century. What is the significance of characters and shows such as "Two Real Coons," Amos 'n' Andy, "Stepin Fetchit," "Mammy," Good Times, or The Cosby Show? In what ways did these characters and shows reinforce African American stereotypes? In what ways did they challenge African American stereotypes?
- Discuss the development of the musical forms of blues and jazz during the early 20th century. How did these musical forms represent a blending of Anglo American traditions with African musical roots? What has been the impact of blues and jazz on American culture generally? choose one question