EXTRA CREDIT

REGISTER TO VOTE

Outside of my academic and union activities at Montgomery County Community College, I am a local judge of elections (West Norriton 2-1). Voting is a fundamental right in a democracy, and yet too many Americans choose not to register, let alone vote. To provide an incentive for voting, I will give extra credit for the following:

• Send me a copy of your valid voter registration card with your party identification redacted (I do not want to know or care about your party identification). Email it to Dr. Halbert with the subject line ENG 246 Voting Extra Credit.

OR

• If you are ineligible to vote in this country (because of age, citizenship, or criminal record), do the following:
  • Take the Pew Research Center Political Party Quiz
  • Take the Political Compass Quiz and read the explanations of their four major political positions
  • Read about American political parties at Ballotpedia (read about Republicans, Democrats, and at least one other independent party)
  • Write up a one-page statement about what political party appeals to you (if any) and why you feel that way. If you don't find any appealing, explain why you reject the major two political parties and what kind of political positions you would like to see a politician support. Email it to Dr. Halbert with the subject line ENG 246 Voting Extra Credit.

You can find out more about registering to vote in Pennsylvania (and actually register online at http://www.votespa.com/en-us/register-to-vote/Pages/How-to-Register.aspx

Due date: April 15, 2018
Possible points: 8 points (8 points for registration, up to 8 points for writeups depending on depth)

WATCH AND RESPOND TO I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO

I Am Not Your Negro is a documentary by Raoul Peck about James Baldwin, one of the most influential African American writers of the twentieth century. It is available now on Amazon Prime for streaming, but it's also available on DVD from several libraries in the area. To get the extra credit, watch the film and write an informal response using MLA format (double spacing, Times New Roman Font 12 Point) of at least a page reacting to the documentary.

Update: You can stream the film for free on PBS until January 29, 2019.

Due date: April 30, 2018
Possible points: Up to 8 points, depending on depth of response.

ATTEND AND RESPOND TO PASSING STRANGE AT THE WILMA THEATER

Told almost entirely in song (rock, punk, funk, gospel, and traditional show tunes style), this semi-autobiographical story of an African American teen's journey from 1970s South Central LA to Amsterdam and Berlin in pursuit of his artistic truth explores the concept of authenticity, race, and individuality. Having seen the show, I enjoyed it for the music, for the spectacle, and for the issues it presents. See more about the play and the Wilma Theater here: https://www.wilmatheater.org/production/passing-strange. To get the extra credit, attend the show, share your ticket stub with Dr. Halbert, and write a one-page response to the play and post it in the extra credit forum. The play ends 2/18.

Due date: March 1, 2018
Possible points: Up to 8 points, depending on depth of response.