Writing Prompt:
In the first half of this course, we have considered the African diaspora from 1400 until the 1800s. Drawing on the assigned readings (including websites) and lectures, what impact did the slave trade have on the Black experience during this period? You must cite these readings. Any form of citation is acceptable, as long as it is clear which readings you are referencing. No outside sources. Please also include a bibliography.

Learning Outcomes:
(SLO 1) Students will analyze how diversity affects interactions with major societal institutions from contemporary and/or historical perspectives.

(SLO 4) Students will assess the various strategies that black peoples have adopted in their struggles for survival, equality, and human dignity in Africa and the Diaspora.

(SLO 6) Students will demonstrate college-level writing skills through process writing on multiple assignments.

(SLO 7) Students will describe multiple dimensions of global/cultural systems

(SLO 8) Students will synthesize different types and sources of information to assess global/cultural issues or situations.

Details:
You must address the assigned readings from the first part of the semester. You do not have to consider all of the readings for the whole first half of the semester, but you should use as many as possible to support your argument. You may also use the lectures; however, it is imperative that you discuss the readings.

Word Count: 1000 words, minimum

Process Writing:
This assignment treats writing as a recursive process, meaning students will develop the essay in several steps including: prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. You will submit three assignments:

Part 1: Thesis:
The thesis statement is worth 5 points (out of 50). You will submit the thesis statement on February 28 and it will appear in your essay, which is due on March 7.

Your thesis statement should:
• Provide a persuasive, crystal clear argument
• Not merely restate the question and offer a brief response
• Answer the specific central questions asked

Part 2: Outline:

Your outline should include an overview of the main elements your essay will contain: argument, introduction, main points of the body of the essay, and conclusion.

Part 3: Essay:

Essays will be graded based primarily on the following questions:

Does your essay have a central argument?
• How well organized is your paper? Does it revolve around one central argument?
• How interesting, persuasive, and sophisticated is the argument and the analysis that leads to it?

Is your writing clear and concise?