Assignment Details:
Colombian Exchange Essay
Required Readings/Sources
- Course Textbook
Monograph Book:Holloway, Joseph. Africanisms in American Culture (2nd ed.). Indianapolis, Indiana: Indiana University Press, 2005.
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- 1_Chapter 1 The Origins of African American Culture.pdfActions
- Chapter 2 What Africa Has Given America.pdfActions
- Chapter 4 Africanisms in African American Names in the United States.pdfActions
- Chapter 10 Kogo Influences on African American Artistic Culture.pdfActions
Essay Prompt
- What were Africa’s key contributions to America through trade and the forced migration of its people via enslavement?
- Analyze Africa’s key contributions to America through trade and the forced migration of enslaved peoples.
- Select three specific examples from the assigned readings, and discuss:
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- Cultural Impacts: How these contributions shaped American cultural identity.
- Economic Impacts: The role of these contributions in shaping America’s economy.
- Societal Impacts: Broader societal changes resulting from these contributions.
Students are focusing on the contributions Africa made to America. Focus on specific examples from the readings to support your analysis.
Formatting Instructions
General Guidelines:
Introduction:
- Begin with an engaging introduction to set the context for your essay.
- End with a clear thesis statement that outlines your argument.
Body Paragraphs (3):
- Address the essay prompt by discussing three chosen topics in separate paragraphs.
- For each paragraph:
- Explain how the topic was introduced into American society.
- Identify by whom (e.g., nationality or cultural group).
- Detail why, how, when, and where it was introduced and its purpose.
- Analyze whether the topic remains visible and viable today.
- Include three Chicago-style footnotes per paragraph citing the assigned readings.
Conclusion:
- Summarize your findings.
- Share your perspective on Africa’s global contributions historically and in the present, focusing on cultural, societal, and economic impacts.
Additional Instructions:
- Use well-developed paragraphs with five or more complete sentences each.
- Avoid simple statements or underdeveloped paragraphs.
Essay Requirements
- Length: Maximum of two pages, plus a separate bibliography page.
- Formatting: Use Chicago-style footnotes exclusively. 20-point deduction for missing footnotes or combining styles (APA, MLA, Chicago).
- Structure: Adhere to the “General Essay Formatting Directions for Essay #1.”
Grading Criteria
- Each body paragraph must include three footnotes referencing the assigned readings.
- Include a properly formatted bibliography on a separate page