ENG 215: African-American Literature Prairie State College Prof. S.

Lee-Schott Study Guide Exam 3: The Reconstruction Period (1865 to 1900) 250 points This exam will consist of two parts: 1. Quote identification, in which students must provide the titles and authors for several quotes. Students will be unable to use assigned readings, class notes, or reading journals for this portion of the exam. You can best prepare for this portion of the exam by being comfortable with the purpose of each authors work, so that you can consider each quote within the context of authors controlling ideas. 100 points 2. An essay response portion, in which students must choose one essay question from a list and compose an essay in class. The essay will be handwritten in class, but students may use assigned reading, class notes, and reading journals for this portion of this exam. 150 points As you prepare for this exam: Review all assigned readings very closely. If you have not already, re-read texts, making notes in the margins and highlighting significant passages. Also, consider developing reading notes if you have not done so already. If you previously took notes at home or in class, consider how you might enhance or add more clarity to your preexisting notes. If certain passages are still difficult to comprehend, determine what the obstacle in your comprehension is. o o o Do you need to look up certain words? Are you unsure of the historical contexts of certain texts? If necessary, make time to visit me during office hours if you need help.

This exam is exam will not be comprehensive as a requirement; however, depending on which essay question you choose, you will have the option to respond by considering all periods covered in this section of the course. In addition to being familiar with assigned texts for the Reconstruction period, you should also be familiar with: Characteristics of Reconstruction on African-American literature: review the slide presentation. In particular, what characteristics were unique to this period that were non-existent, or less existent, during the previous periods? Previous periods dealt with slavery and freedom, while this period addresses oppression and advancement. How do Reconstruction authors handle these concepts? The tone and style of authors works during the period: how and what did authors write during this period? Was their tone the same as or different from the Colonial period in African-American literature? The historical contexts of other major events on African-American literature: what contributed to the way authors were writing during this period?