The following term paper deals with rap as a form of poetry to be taught in a foreign English language classroom with the focus on a 10th grade of the Secondary I School.
The second chapter of this term paper analyzes the literary genre of poetry since it is fundamental for the comprehension of poems in general. The third chapter deals with rap as a form of poetry which provides a lifeworld reference for students. In order to understand the message behind rap poems it is necessary that students acquire knowledge about the development of rap.
In addition students should learn to apprehend rap as a form of poetry, which might initially not be obvious due to the informal speech style. The fourth chapter of this term paper explains the importance of teaching poetry in a foreign English language classroom with the focus on rap as a form of poetry. For this purpose the rap poems "The Rose that Grew from Concrete" and "Liberty Needs Glasses" by Tupac Shakur are taken into consideration for teaching a 10th grade of a Secondary I School in rap.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 The Definition of the literary genre of Poetry
3 The Definition of Rap as a form of Poetry
4 The importance of teaching poetry in a Foreign English Language Classroom
4.1 Teaching rap as a form of poetry in a 10th grade of a Secondary I School
4.2 The Rose that Grew from Concrete and Liberty Needs Glasses by Tupac Shakur as examples for teaching rap in a 10th grade of a Secondary I School
Objectives & Core Themes
This term paper explores the integration of rap as a legitimate form of poetry within secondary education, specifically focusing on the 10th grade. It aims to demonstrate how contemporary rap lyrics can bridge the gap between academic literary analysis and the personal realities of young adults, thereby increasing motivation and fostering a deeper understanding of cultural and sociopolitical issues.
- Theoretical foundation of poetry and its stylistic devices
- Developmental history of rap as a cultural and poetic expression
- Benefits of integrating poetry into the foreign language classroom
- Pedagogical approaches to teaching rap via drama strategies
- Critical analysis of Tupac Shakur’s poetry as educational material
Excerpt from the Book
The Rose that Grew from the Concrete
In his poem “The Rose that Grew from the Concrete” Tupac Shakur literary illustrates the struggle he faced growing up as a disadvantaged black male in the USA and underlines the injustice within the social and political system of the USA. He considers the systematic racism that is directed to African American people and implemented by the political system as the reason for the socio-economic status of black people which forces them to live under bad conditions. In consideration of this, Tupac makes people aware of the injustice that is still prevalent. In order to extend his message to people of all backgrounds, Tupac uses a casual phrasing. However, Tupac explains that people can reach their personal life goals in spite of the struggles and conflicts they were faced to – as long as they believe in themselves and work to achieve them. His personal life experiences as explained above sparked the theme of this poem. This poem is inspirational and motivating for young adults since they are in search of their identities and are focused in fulfilling themselves.
The poem consists of one stanza that makes partly use of an internal rhyme scheme because the two sounds within the line fifth rhyme with each other (seems and dreams). However the poem is structured of free verses since Tupac overall does not use a specific rhyme scheme. Nevertheless, the use of alliteration by the k-sounds in the first and second line (crack in the concrete) as well as the l-sounds in the seventh line (Long live), the use of repetition of “the rose that grew” in the title, the first and the last line as well as the use of assonances by long vowel sounds as illustrated in line 5 (seems, keeping and dreams) emphasize rhythm in the poem.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter introduces the motivation for teaching poetry to young adults and sets the scope for exploring rap as a contemporary, accessible literary form.
2 The Definition of the literary genre of Poetry: This section analyzes the fundamental structural, phonological, and semantic characteristics that define poetry as a literary genre.
3 The Definition of Rap as a form of Poetry: This chapter traces the origins of rap back to African bardic traditions and discusses its development as a form of black cultural expression.
4 The importance of teaching poetry in a Foreign English Language Classroom: This chapter explains the pedagogical benefits of poetry and discusses various drama strategies for teaching it effectively.
4.1 Teaching rap as a form of poetry in a 10th grade of a Secondary I School: This subsection highlights why rap is particularly suited to the interests of 10th-grade students and discusses its educational benefits.
4.2 The Rose that Grew from Concrete and Liberty Needs Glasses by Tupac Shakur as examples for teaching rap in a 10th grade of a Secondary I School: This subsection applies the theory to specific poems, using Tupac Shakur's work to discuss social and political themes.
Keywords
Poetry, Rap, Secondary I School, English Language Teaching, Tupac Shakur, Literary Genre, Linguistic Devices, African American Vernacular, Cultural Identity, Drama Strategies, Task-based approach, Sociopolitical issues, Metre, Rhyme Scheme, Social Injustice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this work?
The paper examines rap music as a legitimate and highly effective form of poetry that can be integrated into English language lessons for 10th-grade students.
What are the central thematic areas covered?
The work covers the definition of poetry, the origins of rap in African American culture, the pedagogical benefits of using poetry in language classrooms, and the analysis of social issues through literature.
What is the primary goal or research question?
The goal is to demonstrate that rap serves as an accessible tool to teach poetic devices, language awareness, and critical thinking regarding sociopolitical realities to teenagers.
Which scientific methodology is utilized?
The paper employs a qualitative literature review, analyzing theoretical definitions of poetry, the historical evolution of rap, and curriculum guidelines to support a practical, task-based teaching approach.
What is covered in the main section of the paper?
The main sections move from a theoretical definition of poetry and rap to pedagogical strategies, concluding with an analysis of Tupac Shakur's poems as practical teaching examples.
Which keywords characterize this paper?
Key terms include Poetry, Rap, English Language Teaching, Tupac Shakur, Cultural Identity, and Drama Strategies.
How does the author define the structural role of the "concrete" in Tupac's poem?
The author identifies the "concrete" as a complex metaphor representing both the ghetto environment and the systemic barriers that Tupac had to overcome to succeed.
What significance does the author attribute to the "Liberty Needs Glasses" poem regarding political critique?
The poem is interpreted as a critique of the U.S. justice system, highlighting how it fails to treat all citizens equally and instead perpetuates inequality through institutional blindness.
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- Filiz Malci (Autor:in), 2019, Teaching Rap in Secondary I School, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/465739
