Literature with Ms. Smolko



TKAM is one of the most powerful novels ever written. I would argue that after Uncle Tom’s Cabin, this novel shaped America. In Alabama—ironically—they banned this book in classrooms because it made students “feel uncomfortable,” which is the entire point of the book. Although this novel takes place in the 1930s and is written in 1960, it is still very relevant today. That is why I am assigning a synthesis essay to integrate modern sources with TKAM to show that this novel still rings true for many Americans. A synthesis essay is a written work that takes a unique viewpoint about a central idea, theme, or topic, and backs it up with a combination of multiple sources. To synthesize means to fuse, blend, or combine. So, you will choose 3-5 of the following sources, find the common theme, and use the sources to make a connection to To Kill a Mockingbird. We all know that one of the many themes in TKAM is “race,” but what about it? Remember, theme is never one word. So, here is your essay’s prompt: What is Harper Lee saying about race in America? How do these other sources share the same theme? In other words, how do these sources relate to the novel?…The following sources are mixed media: poems, news articles, documentaries, short films, TV episodes. Some sources are only available if you have Netflix or Hulu. If you don’t have these streaming services, check out the other links. Please consider the sources that are asterisked. This indicates mature material, and you need to consult a parent before watching. Short films"Peanut Butter, Jelly, & Racism""A Conversation with Police About Race"*"This is America" Music Video by Childish Gambino Try not to analyze the song/ lyrics, but rather the video alone. It is very abstract. Documentaries *The 13th on Netflix (MA for language/ racial slurs, violence, brief nudity)An in-depth look at the prison system in the United States and how it reveals the nation's history of racial inequality. This is an extremely important documentary that won many awards. I highly recommend. Making a Murderer on Netflix (this is an entire series, so I would suggest watching episode 2 from the first season)Filmed over 13 years, this real-life thriller follows the unprecedented story of two men accused of a grisly crime they may not have Episode (fiction)Brooklyn 99 (on Hulu) Season 4, Episode 16 “Moo Moo”News Articles"President Obama's Remarks on Trayvon Martin Ruling" Ignore the questions. Just read the article."Herd Behavior" Ignore the questions. Just read the article."The Scottsboro Boys" Ignore the questions. Just read the article."How an Innocent Teenager Confessed to Murder"Poetry "The Rose That Grew from Concrete" by Tupac"Enter the Dragon" Cartoon"Street Calculus"* Explicit or mature material—ask for parental permissionWhat to include:Introduction with strong thesis statement (answers question in bold on the first page)3 body paragraphs (TIDIDE responses). The easiest way to organize this is one source per paragraph (for example, “this is how this news article relate to TKAM”)2 pieces of evidence per paragraph/ sourceConclusion. Why does any of this matter? What can Americans learn from these sources? What is the “call to action?” How can we solve this issue?Because this is a difficult essay and you will not have the opportunity for peer editing/ one-on-conference with me, if you sincerely try, the lowest you will receive is a 70.Email me for questions and proofreading needs. ................
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