TeachRock

Motivational Activity:

1. Pass out to each student Handout – Langston Hughes, Blues, and the Harlem Renaissance KWL Chart. Explain to students that there are three topics on the chart, and throughout the class they should be taking notes on what they already know, would like to know, and what they learned about each topic. Allow students time to fill out the first two columns of the chart. Then ask students to share their notes from the handout.
2. Place the images from the Harlem Renaissance Gallery Walk around the classroom. Tell students that they will be examining photographs taken around the 1930s in the neighborhood of Harlem, in New York City. Ask students to walk around the classroom, taking notes that summarize the subject of each image they see, and what they find interesting about it.
3. Ask students to summarize one of the images in the gallery walk activity, based on their notes. Once the majority of the images have been introduced by students, ask the class:
   • Based on the photographs you saw, how might you describe life in Harlem around the 1930s? Did it seem more urban or rural? What are some of the activities people in Harlem pursued? Did it seem like they had a lot of opportunities to pursue different types of activities?
   • What kinds of artistic or creative practices were represented in the photographs?
   • What kind of forms of entertainment were featured in the photographs?
   • What other events did you notice occurring in Harlem at this time? Were there any political events? If so, what issues might have such protests and marches been related to?
   • Is your everyday life similar or different than the everyday life that seems depicted in the image? How so?
4. Inform students that the photographs they saw came from around the era of the “Harlem Renaissance.” Play the video “The Harlem Renaissance.” Then ask students
   • What was the Harlem Renaissance, and where did it take place?
   • How did the Harlem Renaissance begin?
   • What sorts of arts flourished during the Harlem Renaissance?
   • What was “The New Negro,” and who wrote it? How did it inspire the Harlem Renaissance?
5. Ask students to return to their KWL chart and fill in anything that comes to mind from the class so far.

Procedure:

1. Tell students that they will be focusing on the life of poet Langston Hughes, to see how it reflected what they have learned about the Harlem Renaissance. By using either a choice board or station activities, split students into groups to review a poem written by Langston Hughes during a certain point of his life. Ask students to read the poem, then respond to the questions on the next page.
   • “The South”
   • “Theme for English B”
   • Letter to Carl Van Vechten, June 11, 1927 (note to teacher: recommended for students who may need a scaffolded reading)
2. Ask students to take a moment to reflect what they learned and take notes in their KWL handout. Then ask them to share their responses to the questions with the rest of the class.
3. Inform students that they may have recognized that Hughes discusses Blues music and Blues musicians often. Explain that the class will now be comparing poetry by Langston Hughes with lyrics from Mississippi Blues musician Robert Johnson, to see how the influence of Blues might have affected Hughes’ work. Show Image 1, Langston Hughes and Robert Johnson Compared. Explain that Robert Johnson was a legendary Blues musician from Mississippi. Read the two poems together, then ask students:
   • Did you notice any similarities between these two works? What were they?
   • How many lines are in each stanza of the pieces? Is that number consistent, or does it change?
   • What happens in the first line of each stanza in the two works?
   • What happens in the second line of each stanza?
   • What happens in the third line of each stanza?
   • Where do the rhyming schemes occur in each stanza?
   • What scenarios are described in each of the pieces? Are they similar in any way? How might this relate to Black experience at the time? (Encourage students to consider the theme of travel in both pieces in the context of the Great Migration.)
   • How would you describe the emotion the author is trying to convey in each of these pieces? Is it similar or different?
4. Tell students that both pieces are set in an “AAB” format, with the first line identifying the situation, the second line restating the first line, and the third line resolving the initial statement. Tell students that the Blues form developed as an Black vernacular tradition. Ask students:
   • “Vernacular” is defined as “The language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular country or region.” Drawing from this definition, what might “Black vernacular tradition” mean?
   • In addition to The Blues, what other genres of music might be considered part of the Black vernacular tradition? (Answers might include spirituals, gospel, jazz, rap, hip-hop, and rock.)
   • What are some other artistic practices outside of music that might be part of the Black vernacular tradition? (folktales, oral epics, sermons, and ciphers are also often considered part of the tradition.)
5. Tell students that in addition to referring to specific art forms, Black vernacular traditions also incorporate African American Vernacular English (AAVE), a dialect of the English language that developed among Black communities. (To better understand AAVE as a dialect, and not “broken” or “incorrect” English as it has sometimes been characterized, teachers can direct students to this youtube video that introduces the term. This clip may also feature advertising. We suggest loading the video before class.) Ask students:
   • Can you find any examples of Hughes drawing upon elements of the African American Vernacular English in “Po’ Boy Blues”? What about in the other works of his the class have examined?

Summary Activity:

1. Have students return to Handout – Langston Hughes, Blues, and the Harlem Renaissance KWL Chart. Give them time to finalize their chart. Then ask students to share their responses.
   

Extension Activities:

1. Complete Extension Activity – Literary Techniques in Langston Hugh’s “Weary Blues”
2. Bring to the class lyrics to a song you feel addresses a current social issue. Present to the class the values and themes represented in the and point out any examples of figurative language used.
3. Write a short response to the following prompt: “How can rap be considered part of the Black vernacular tradition?
4. Research and present the work of a poet from your city or state.
5. Explore more of the Harlem Renaissance with the Teachrock Lesson Writing Personal Narratives and the Harlem Renaissance

Explore Further:

Teachers should feel free to supplement the class discussion with a number of different poems and Blues pieces. Suggestions below:

Poets:

Langston Hughes (especially “I Too,” “The Negro Sings Of Rivers,” “Homesick Blues,” and “Harlem”)

Sterling Plumpp (especially “Worst Than The Blues My Daddy Had” and “I Hear The Shuffle Of The People’s Feet”)

Tyehimba Jess (especially “Blind Lemon Taught Me”)

Sterling Brown

Countee Cullen

Jayne Cortez

Nikki Giovanni

Gwendolyn Brooks

Claude McKay

Blues Musician:

Bessie Smith (especially “Downhearted Blues” and “Backwater Blues”)

Charley Patton (especially “Bo Weavil Blues”)

Shemekia Copeland (especially “In The Blood of the Blues,” “Beat Up Guitar,” and “Ghetto Child.”)

Keb’ Mo’ (especially “Henry” and “City Boy”)

Chris Thomas King (especially “Da Thrill is Gone from Da Hood.”)

Skip James (especially “Hard Time Killin’ Floor Blues”)

Gary Clark Jr. (especially “When My Train Pulls In”)

Beth Hart (especially “Leave the Light On”)

Eric Bibb (especially “Drinkin’ Gourd” and “Flood Water.”)

“The South” by Langston Hughes “Theme for English B” by Langston Hughes Handout – Langston Hughes, Blues, and the Harlem Renaissance KWL Chart Handout 2 – A Selection of Literary Techniques Harlem Renaissance Gallery Walk Letter to Carl Van Vechten, June 11, 1927 by Langston Hughes Literary Techniques in Langston Hughes’ Wary Blues

Common Core State Standards

College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Reading

• Reading 1: Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text.
• Reading 2: Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas.
• Reading 3: Analyze how and why individuals, events, or ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.
• Craft and Structure 4: Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone.
• Craft and Structure 5: Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text (e.g., a section, chapter, scene, or stanza) relate to each other and the whole.
• Craft and Structure 6: Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text.
• Integration of Knowledge and Ideas 7: Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.
• Integration of Knowledge and Ideas 9: Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take.
• Range of Reading and Level of Text Complexity 10: Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently.

College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Writing

• Text Types and Purposes 1: Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.
• Text Types and Purposes 2: Write informative/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
• Production and Distribution of Writing 4: Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
• Research to Build and Present Knowledge 8: Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each source, and integrate the information while avoiding plagiarism.
• Research to Build and Present Knowledge  9: Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Language

• Language 1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
• Language 2: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
• Vocabulary Acquisition and Use 4: Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases by using context clues, analyzing meaningful word parts, and consulting general and specialized reference materials, as appropriate.
• Vocabulary Acquisition and Use 5:  Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in a word meaning.

College and Career Readiness Anchor Standards for Speaking and Listening

• Comprehension & Collaboration 1: Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
• Comprehension & Collaboration 2: Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
• Comprehension & Collaboration 3: Evaluate a speaker’s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric.
• Presentation of Knowledge 4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.

National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies – National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)

• Theme 1: Culture
• Theme 3: People, Place, and Environments
• Theme 4: Individual Development and Identity
• Theme 5: Individuals, Groups, and Institutions
• Theme 8: Science, Technology, and Society

National Standards for Music Education – National Association for Music Education (NAfME)

Core Music Standard: Connecting

• Connecting 11: Relate musical ideas and works to varied contexts and daily life to deepen understanding.

Career Technical Education Standards (California Model) – Arts, Media and Entertainment Pathway Standards

Design, Visual and Media Arts (A)

• A1.0 Demonstrate ability to reorganize and integrate visual art elements across digital media and design applications.
  A1.1 View and respond to a variety of industry-related artistic products integrating industry appropriate vocabulary.
  A1.3 Describe the use of the elements of art to express mood in digital or traditional art work found in the commercial environment.
  A1.4 Select industry-specific works and analyze the intent of the work and the appropriate use of media.
  A1.5 Research and analyze the work of an artist or designer and how the artist’s distinctive style contributes to their industry production.
  A1.9 Analyze the material used by a given artist and describe how its use influences the meaning of the work. ia, and Entertainment |
  A2.0 Apply artistic skills and processes to solve a variety of industry-relevant problems in a variety of traditional and electronic media.
  A2.2 Demonstrate personal style and advanced proficiency in communicating an idea, theme, or emotion in an industry-relevant artistic product.
  A3.0 Analyze and assess the impact of history and culture on the development of professional arts and media products.
  A3.2 Describe how the issues of time, place, and cultural influence and are reflected in a variety of artistic products.
  A3.3 Identify contemporary styles and discuss the diverse social, economic, and political developments reflected in art work in an industry setting.
  A4.0 Analyze, assess, and identify effectiveness of artistic products based on elements of art, the principles of design, and professional industry standards.
  A4.2 Deconstruct how beliefs, cultural traditions, and current social, economic, and political contexts influence commercial media (traditional and electronic).
  A4.4 Analyze the relationship between the artist, artistic product and audience in both an existing and self-generated project.
  A4.5 Analyze and articulate how society influences the interpretation and effectiveness of an artistic product.
  A5.0 Identify essential industry competencies, explore commercial applications and develop a career specific personal plan.
  A5.2 Explore the role of art and design across various industry sectors and content areas.
  A5.3 Deconstruct works of art, identifying psychological content found in the symbols and images and their relationship to industry and society.
  A6.0 Analyze characteristics of subgenres (e.g., satire, parody, allegory, pastoral) that are used in poetry, prose, plays, novels, short stories, essays, and other basic genres.
  A6.1 Evaluate the ways in which irony, tone, mood, the author’s style, and the “sound” of language achieve specific rhetorical or aesthetic purposes or both.
  A6.2 Analyze the way in which authors through the centuries have used archetypes drawn from myth and tradition in literature, film, political speeches, and religious writings.
  A6.3 Debate the philosophical arguments presented in literary works to determine whether the authors’ positions have contributed to the quality of each work and the credibility of the characters (philosophical approach).
  A7.0 Demonstrate an understanding of the elements of discourse (e.g., purpose, speaker, audience, form) when completing narrative, expository, persuasive, or descriptive writing assignments.
  A7.1 Use point of view, characterization, style (e.g., use of irony), and related elements for specific rhetorical and aesthetic purposes.
  A7.2 Use language in natural, fresh, and vivid ways to establish a specific tone.
  A7.3 Enhance meaning by employing rhetorical devices, including extended use of parallel- ism, repetition, analogy; incorporation of visual aids (e.g., graphs, tables, pictures); and the issuance of a call for action.
  A7.5 Revise text to highlight the individual voice, improve sentence variety and style, and enhance subtlety of meaning and tone in ways that are consistent with the purpose, audience, and genre.
  A8.0 Understand the key technical and technological requirements applicable to various segments of the Media and Design Arts Pathway.
  A8.5 Differentiate writing processes, formats, and conventions used for various media.

Performing Arts (B)

• B2.0 Read, listen to, deconstruct, and analyze peer and professional music using the elements and terminology of music.
  B2.2 Describe how the elements of music are used.
  B2.5 Analyze and describe significant musical events perceived and remembered in a given industry generated example.
  B2.6 Analyze and describe the use of musical elements in a given professional work that makes it unique, interesting, and expressive.
  B7.0 Analyze the historical and cultural perspective of multiple industry performance products from a discipline-specific perspective.
  B7.3 Analyze the historical and cultural perspective of the musician in the professional setting.
  B7.4 Analyze the historical and cultural perspective of the actor and performance artist in the professional setting.