A Renaissance of Jazz and Poetry

Assessment – Choice A 


Activity 1 – Read the poems and listen to the songs from the list 
below.  Identify the theme or message for each one.  Then search 
for a modern poem or song that has a theme that is parallel with 
one of the works from the list.  On the designated day, bring a 
copy of the poem or song lyrics to class.


A List of Works Inspired by the Harlem Renaissance
“The Loss of Love” by Countee Cullen
“Saturday’s Child” by Countee Cullen
“God Bless the Child” by Billie Holiday
“As I Grow Older” by Langston Hughes
“Back Water Blues” by Bessie Smith



Activity 2 – Using your notes and your copies of the poems and 
songs, write a three paragraph essay comparing the modern work to 
the piece inspired by the Harlem Renaissance.  In the first 
paragraph, state the themes of the two works.  How are messages 
similar or different?  Cite specific passages to support your 
answer.  In the second paragraph, describe the tempo of the music.  
What overall mood or feeling does it convey?  Does the poem 
reflect the same tone?  How are they the same?  How are they 
different?  In the final paragraph, reflect on the influence – if 
any – that the Harlem Renaissance has had on the poetry and music 
of today.


























A Renaissance of Jazz and Poetry

Assessment – Choice A – Scoring Rubric



Level 3 – Superior Performance
The student clearly stated the themes of the two works and 
described how they were similar or different.  Multiple passages 
were cited to support the answer.  Using writing that displayed 
thoughtful and thorough understanding, the student richly 
described and compared the tone and mood of the music and poetry.  
Finally, the student gave some insight on the influence of the 
Harlem Renaissance on today’s music and poetry.


Level 2 – Proficient Performance
The student stated the themes of the two works and described how 
they were similar or different.  At least two passages were cited 
to support the answer.  Using writing skills that displayed some 
understanding, the student effectively described and compared the 
mood of the music and poetry. Finally, the student gave some 
thought on the influence of the Harlem Renaissance on today’s 
music and poetry.
  

Level 1 – Limited Performance
The student stated the themes of the two works and may have 
superficially described how they were similar or different.  Using 
writing skills that displayed a minimal amount of understanding, 
the student described the mood of the music and poetry. Finally, 
the student gave little thought on the influence of the Harlem 
Renaissance on today’s music and poetry.