Traditional, "John Henry" (late 19th C)

Read:

• Wikipedia on John Henry
• NPR's coverage: Present at the Creation

  On the above page, click on the audio icons to hear a news story and a recording of the ballad song, as well as the lyrics to one particular recording.
  

• Read this early version of the song, and look at the four later versions that the site offers.

  On the above site, choose two versions of the song, and come to class with a one-paragraph statement that characterizes the textual differences between your chosen texts.
  

In what ways is the John Henry story a tall-tale? How is it social commentary? Is it primarily a story about technology, or about race? Is it too simplistic to say "both"?

Paper 2 Draft (6p minimum)

Write a paper that uses peer-reviewed academic sources to defend an intellectually complex, non-obvious claim about one or more of the works on the syllabus.

Your paper should demonstrate your developing ability to apply a consistent critical approach (economic determinism, gender theory, historical-topical, etc.), to integrate quotations from quality sources (at least 4, in addition to your literary work or works), and to acknowledge a variety of interpretations (including evidence that challenges your thesis).