Black Boy: Historical Background Webquest

Directions: Answer the questions below using the internet, the library and other resources available to you.  Do not cut and paste, but answer them in your own words, TAKE NOTES,  use your own opinions and define them in a way that you are able to explain and understand.  CLICK HERE to download a copy of the handout. Remember: you need to keep track of your websites and the content. You need to give at least 5 sentences of information!!  You can use more than ONE website!!! Make sure you are using CREDIBLE sources! Be sure to gather information that will help you answer the question! You have to put ideas together in order to find a solution or come up with an answer. These are NOT one-word answers or definitions! T-H-I-N-K!!

1. What is The Harlem Renaissance (THR)? Where and when?

2. What is “black urban migration” and how does it relate to THR? Explain and be specific.

3 and 4 (more room!!). What were some of the reasons and/or social/economic conditions that may have encouraged a large number of black Americans to migrate from the South to urban areas in the northern and western parts of the country during the early twentieth century? What impact did it have on the South?

5.  What does the term “Jim Crow” mean and where did it get its origins?

6. What are some major differences between plantations before the civil war and those that still exist in the twentieth/twenty-first century?

7. Who was H.L. Mencken? Why did many Southerners dislike him?

8.. What is “The Great Depression”? Define it and give a detailed description with dates, etc. Why is this an important event in American History?

Grade 11: Harlem Renaissance Webquest

Directions: Research and answer the following questions. Use the internet and/or other encyclopedia sources (NO WIKIPEDIA); use scholarly sources ONLY. You must TAKE NOTES and WRITE (and by that I mean type in your own words) the answers; no copy and pasting. It is important that you know this information. You can use bullet points or paragraph form. It is important to read all of the questions first and it is helpful to cite specific factual information in your answers.

 Be sure to keep a list of sources used so you can make an MLA formatted works cited page (use the packet and the reference MLA guides to help you). Use the school databases from the Hapgood Library.

Bring a HARD COPY and Submit to turnitin by the start of class by MONDAY 10/9

1. Create an MLA formatted works cited page so use your resources: This is a MUST! Keep track of ALL information used and websites visited. Use your resources to help you set up the page.
2. Define The Harlem Renaissance (THR) in your own words.
3. What does the term “Jim Crow” mean and where did it get its origins? What is its connection to THR
4. What is “black urban migration” and how does it relate to THR? Explain and be specific.
5. What is “Vernacular”? What is black vernacular?
6. What were some of the reasons and/or social/economic conditions that may have encouraged a large number of black Americans to migrate from the South to urban areas in the northern and western parts of the country during the early twentieth century? What impact did it have on the South?
7. Give historical and present information about Harlem, New York. Include its origins, current demographics, etc.
8. What the dates/time period of THR? Where did it start?
9. Why/How did THR begin? Explain and be specific.
10. What laws and amendments were made to the constitution during 1908-1960? How do you think these amendments affected THR movement?
11. Find 2 people who are noted for being influential during THR. Who are they, what did they do (in general AND for THR), why/how are they important to THR?
12. Find a piece of Art created during THR. If you can print it, attach it along with your answers, or make sure you write your source so that it can be visited. Explain the picture (focus on focal points, color, contrasts, reflection of reality, think of what we discussed in class for Romanticism). What is your reaction?
13. Using supportive evidence, what is the image of African-American culture today? How has it changed over the last 50+ years? What seems not to have changed?
14. Define the word “urban” and gather an understanding to the term “urban life.” How do you define it in your own words? How do we use the term? Give examples and explanations.
15. Define the word “ghetto.” What is the historical meaning of the term? How do you use it today and give examples? To we use it appropriately today in discussions of urban life?