1. Cultural Appropriation
an AP English Language and Composition unit plan
Sanika Rane, Matt David, Supritha Jegannathan, and Umasai Kandepu

2. Necessity Begin forming opinions Hot in the media and pop culture
Minimizes racial stereotyping and appropriation during a critical time
Relatable
Cultural awareness (worldliness for future jobs)

3. Effectiveness Organization of the unit Separate days for each culture
African-American culture first, for the most days
Scope of arguments and opinions
Analysis skills
Writing skills
Argumentative skills
College Board

4. What is cultural appropriation?
Prepare for Socratic Seminar, using “Cultural Appropriation: Socratic Seminar Questions.”

5. Read “Cultural Appropriation: An Introduction.”
What are some general opinions and arguments on cultural appropriation?
Have the Socratic Seminar. (Use the “Cultural Appropriation: Socratic Seminar Grading Rubric.”)
Read “Cultural Appropriation: An Introduction.”

6. How is African American culture appropriated?
Read “Cultural Appropriation Project Guidelines.” Begin work on project.

7. When does cultural appropriation become racism?
Watch MTV’s video “Should White People Rap?” hosted by Lacy Green (found on Youtube).

8. Does cultural appropriation cause the loss of cultural identity?

9. How is Asian culture appropriated?
Read the two articles - “Why a Bindi Is NOT an Example of Cultural Appropriation” and “Take that Dot Off Your Forehead and Quit Trying to Make Bindis Happen.” Analyze the arguments in both articles. Identify the more effective essay and why it is more effective.

10. How are Middle Eastern, Indian, and Native American cultures appropriated?

11. Can “white culture” be appropriated?

12. Does cultural appropriation actually exist?

13. Can you effectively write an argumentative essay using the evidence and information from the past nine days?
Write an essay that effectively defends, qualifies, or refutes this statement:
“To appropriate one’s culture is not to embrace it, but to mimic it. It’s making a fashion of someone else’s heritage and religion.”