World Literature ll Honors

Frederick Douglass’ Narrative is one of the most seminal texts in World Literature in general and American Literature in particular. As one of you observed in class, it is a first-hand account of the evils of slavery, unlike documentaries and movies about the subject. Undeniably, slavery has had dire ramifications for the American psyche and America's social fabric. Of the many groups in America, African Americans have borne the brunt of slavery’s consequences. The question is, Does America owe African Americans? If no, why? If yes, why and in what form(s) should the reparations be?

Using any of the incidents in Douglass’ Narrative as a backdrop, write an argumentative essay in favor or against reparations. The essay should be 750 words long or longer. On Blackboard, I have posted a long essay by Ta-Nehisi Coates entitled “The Case for Reparations” which was published in The Atlantic. You may use the essay as a resource. The essay is due by March 3.
The grade for the essignment will be based on the following rubric:
Format (course information, font and spacing): 5 points
Argument (countering opposing views, examples): 20 points
Organization, Coherence, Grammar and Punctuation: 25 points