IN-CLASS ESSAY: COTTON MATHER'S THE NEGRO CHRISTIANIZED

On Wednesday, February 8, 2023, our class will consist of an in-class essay. The question is very basic: "Write an essay (with quotes) that discusses if Cotton Mather's sermon The Negro Christianized, is a pro-slavery message or a means of undermining the validity of slavery." The question will make more sense once you have read the sermon

Here's how it will work in practical terms:

1. Read and mark The Negro Christianized sermon. It's the final item available in the Course Materials on Blackboard.

2. Consider the question: Is the sermon a pro-slavery message or a means of undermining the validity of slavery?

3. Prepare an outline on your Exam Card, including quotes, to help you write your answer. Please type it in MS Word. Do not write in complete sentences and do not write out the actual essay. Do include quotes from the text (with page numbers).

4. In class, you will only have your Exam Card to help. When you arrive in class, show Dr. Halbert your card so that he can verify it's not in complete sentences or the whole essay written out. He will give you paper to write on. You have the whole period to complete the essay.

Some cautions:

1. While the words "Negro" and "Colored" are used in the essay, as twenty-first century people, all of us should avoid using those words unless we are quoting a historical document. If you are unsure of how to identify the enslaved people of color that are the subject of Mather's discussion, please use the term "Black" to avoid being misinterpreted and to avoid the complexities associated with using the modern term "African American" to describe a person before there was a modern-day America.

2. Cotton Mather is not related to Marshal Mathers, so don't add an -s to his name.

3. Quotes are expected, so take time to write a meaningful outline that includes quotes and page numbers. You do not have to do a works cited entry.

4. Your outline should not be written in complete sentences, and do not write out the whole essay and claim it's an outline. The goal is to allow you to prepare your thoughts but still experience taking a timed test to write an essay.

5. This essay is worth 50 points, so take it seriously.

6. Everyone is required to write this in-class essay. If you are going to miss this day or need accommodations, please contact Dr. Halbert ASAP.