Overview
Your next major assignment is to write a two-three page essay defining "American." The essay's thesis should attempt to answer the question, "What does it mean to be American?" The essay should be typed, double-spaced and formatted according to MLA.
Your Topic
The word is used to describe our culture, politics, food, style, music -- even ourselves. But what do we mean? Usually the connotation is positive, but the question applies to the negative use of the word, as well; if we call someone or something un-American, or anti-American, what exactly do we mean?
What is the "American Dream," and in what ways do we pursue it? Do terrorism and illegal immigration threaten our "American Way of Life"? If so, then how is that defined? Could you make a list of "American Values." What is American food? American music?
Process
The process for this paper has already begun. First, you read part of de Crevecoeur's essay, and then you wrote a short response to the question, "What is an American?" Then, we read and discussed three more essays over the past week. Each of these essays deals with the sticky issue of multiculturalism and how it relates to defining America. Now, it's time to use at least one of those essays to support your thesis. You can also choose to argue against one or more of the essays.
To avoid plagiarism, summarize the author's point, or quote a portion of the text if the original wording is crucial. Always cite your source. Always cite, whether you are summarizing or quoting. The process for citation has been the same all year long; include a parenthetical citation at the end of the sentence. Include both the author's name and the page number (Adams 145). Better yet, introduce the quote by giving credit to the author (by last name). See Purdue's OWL for an example. At the end of the paper include a works cited page. I will provide the form for these bibliographic citations when we talk about the rough drafts.
Due Dates
Your ROUGH DRAFT is due on Tuesday 1/16 (typed, two copies)
Your FINAL DRAFT is due Wednesday 1/17 (including all drafts)
Your next major assignment is to write a two-three page essay defining "American." The essay's thesis should attempt to answer the question, "What does it mean to be American?" The essay should be typed, double-spaced and formatted according to MLA.
Your Topic
The word is used to describe our culture, politics, food, style, music -- even ourselves. But what do we mean? Usually the connotation is positive, but the question applies to the negative use of the word, as well; if we call someone or something un-American, or anti-American, what exactly do we mean?
What is the "American Dream," and in what ways do we pursue it? Do terrorism and illegal immigration threaten our "American Way of Life"? If so, then how is that defined? Could you make a list of "American Values." What is American food? American music?
Process
The process for this paper has already begun. First, you read part of de Crevecoeur's essay, and then you wrote a short response to the question, "What is an American?" Then, we read and discussed three more essays over the past week. Each of these essays deals with the sticky issue of multiculturalism and how it relates to defining America. Now, it's time to use at least one of those essays to support your thesis. You can also choose to argue against one or more of the essays.
To avoid plagiarism, summarize the author's point, or quote a portion of the text if the original wording is crucial. Always cite your source. Always cite, whether you are summarizing or quoting. The process for citation has been the same all year long; include a parenthetical citation at the end of the sentence. Include both the author's name and the page number (Adams 145). Better yet, introduce the quote by giving credit to the author (by last name). See Purdue's OWL for an example. At the end of the paper include a works cited page. I will provide the form for these bibliographic citations when we talk about the rough drafts.
Due Dates
Your ROUGH DRAFT is due on Tuesday 1/16 (typed, two copies)
Your FINAL DRAFT is due Wednesday 1/17 (including all drafts)