We will be analyzing hip-hop, rap and spoken word poetry to understand how artists use their voice to express thoughts and motivate others to change. Understanding how a poem can create change is the motivating factor of what we will be learning. The final project will be to read our spoken word and poems to the class in a 'poetry slam' final. Grades for this unit will be primarily pass/fail and extra credit. How can you grade a poem? You will also have the opportunity to submit your poems to Swoosh, TMP's on-line literary and arts magazine.
To submit to Swoosh, email Rebecca at tmp.swoosh@gmail.com
Our unit will begin with a reading of Langston Hughes' poem, Weary Blues. We will compare this with contemporary poets including Tupac Shakur.
Additional poets we will be reading include Immortal Technique and Gil Scott-Heron.
Extra credit will be given for reading your poem, entering the competition and submitting your poem to Swoosh.
