Review and reflect on the poem by
Armanda Gorman: The Hill We Climb: An Inaugural Poem for the Country (January 20, 2021).
Decide which of the nine passages is your favorite. Cite the selected passage # on the title page of your submission (e.g., #4).
For the actual assignment, imagine you are writing a letter* to a relative or friend in which you explain why this passage is your favorite and how it is relatable to politics at large about which you are currently learning in a college class (POLS 2020).
To clarify: The letter should run 1.5 pages, that is the length specified in the general guidelines for written assignments posted in the same folder. Double-space; standard margins and fonts.
You may start your letter along the lines of "I am currently taking an intro course to American politics where we read Amanda Gorma’s poem "The Hill We Climb." I was really moved by passage #4 because …”
Organization of your letter
Salutation: Dear…
You first want to convey why the passage of your choice touches, or resonates with, you. Provide examples from your life, beliefs/convictions and values, experiences or observations. Draw a connection to the recipient of your letter (e.g., ”Remember when I or when we or Mom …..).
Next you want to reflect on how the the passage help people like yourself to better understand the meaning of what American politics are or should be about? Does your passage offer a prescription for the betterment of American politics (e.g., what goals and values elected officials should pursue, how the public discourse should be shaped, how political arguments and conflicts should be resolved, or to what policies and actions government should give priority). Again relate this part to your convictions, concerns and experiences, and connect with the recipient of your letter when possible (e.g., You know how much I care about social justice, so I think when Gorman says ”….”I first think of …).
FINAL NOTE: You are reflecting on a poem, a piece of art. This does NOT mean that you should respond using the tone and language of Gorman’s poem. Don’t use vague, overly generalized or philosophical language. Be clear, personal, and relatable. Write a letter that you actually would actually send out.
