WELCOME to your online discussion of Kindred!
You’ll be reading Kindred over the next several weeks. Although you're not required to take notes while you read, it would be wise to keep track of important events and characters for your own clarification. You are, however, expected to participate regularly and thoughtfully in an online discussion/reflection based on FOUR essential questions.
PROCEDURE
Post a minimum of SIX responses throughout your reading of the novel. You must respond to each of the essential questions at least once. Other responses may address any topic or reflection related to the novel and its connection to African-American history/culture.
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
- How does the story (setting, characters, plot, etc.) illuminate aspects of African-American culture? Be specific! (Page references are helpful.)
- How does the story (setting, characters, plot, etc.) illuminate aspects of African-American history?
- In what ways does this book refute the notion of the “single story”? In order to answer this question you will need to listen to Chimananda Adichie's 2009 TED Talk called "The Danger of a Single Story."
- How does the story (setting, characters, plot, etc.) reflect or illuminate the current state of race relations in our country? Have we made any progress as a society?
** Free-response option: Address another issue/episode/or passage in the book that you find
significant for any reason.
Assessment: To earn maximum credit, post thoughtful responses that are at least a short paragraph in length—and carefully proofread! Do not misspell characters' or authors’ names! Also, be sure to include specific references to the text (either details or short quotations). Page numbers, too, are always helpful.
ARGUMENT ANALYSIS & RESPONSE ARTICLES
- Article #1: "When Whites Just Don't Get It"
- Article #2: "The Other Ferguson Tragedy"
- Article #3: "The Coming Race War Won't Be About Race"
