2. The Connection…  This week we have looked at poetry outside of studying its traditional rhyme and meter (There is plenty of time for that in University).  We have ignored poetic devices and Poetry Anthologies to focus on the power of poetry!  After all, poetry is the most powerful expression of language on Earth. If poetry makes you feel nothing (good or bad) then it is a waste.

3.  We have looked at Spoken Word Poetry and its ability to share stories and experiences that tug on your emotions.  We have looked at Haiku poetry and its ability to create description and emotion in a small space.

4.  Now we look are going to look at Rap music and its ability to share stories, create description, and cause you to have an emotional reaction– the goal of every poet from Wordsworth to William Carlos Williams.

5. A Brief History of Rap Music

7. The New Millennium of Rap Activity!  Break up into 4 groups and read the material you will be given.  Once you have read the text answer the following questions (we will discuss in approximately 15 minutes):

8. 1) What are the central themes of the song? 2) What political, social, or cultural events and circumstances could have contributed to the lyrics? 3) List the types of poetic/ literary devices can you find in the song

9. Group 1

10. Group 2

11. Group 3

12. Group 4