Fences/A Raisin in the Sun Synthesis/Research Essay

1. Choose one of the three prompts below. Make this choice based on what interests you. 
2. After you’ve chosen your prompt, take a look at the texts listed below it and decide which TWO you will use to write your essay. You MUST use one of the plays as a source, regardless of prompt selection. 
   1. You must use at least one of the articles. 
   2. The third text could be a second article, or you could choose a poem from the UNIT POEMS Handout
3. Once you’ve decided which texts you want to use, read them thoroughly. 
4. Use online research to find two of your own unique sources that fit with the selected prompt. 
5. We will be writing the essay in chunks, but here are some helpful tips for planning ahead. 
   1. Your essay will need to be 4-6 pages in length, include an introduction and conclusion, as well  body paragraphs that utilize and cite all five of your selected sources. 
   2. You will need to include in-text citations and a works cited page. There will be a full day devoted to this, and materials to support you. 
   3. Here is a link to the rubric.

Prompt A

How do the play and two of the texts below comment on the reasons for and effects of inequitable housing conditions? 

• “Redlining was banned 50 years ago. It’s still hurting minorities today” by Traci Jan
• “‘White Flight’ began a lot earlier than we thought” 
• “How White Housing Riots Shaped Chicago”
• One of the Unit Poems 

Prompt B

How do the play and two of the texts below comment on how gender norms impact individuals’ goals, reactions, relationships, or conflicts?

• “The Fight for Women Doctors” 
• “The Future of Masculinity: Overcoming Stereotypes” (This article starts with the controversy around this Gillette ad from just a few years ago)
• One of the Unit Poems 

Prompt C

How do the play and two of the texts below comment on the psychological impact of systemic racism on individuals?

• “Definition of Systemic Racism in Sociology” 
• “America’s Psychologists Want You to Understand How Racism Holds Our Country Back” 
• “Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs” 
• One of the Unit Poems