ENGL 1A

Prof. A. Eastwood

Essay 4: Bringing it All Together

 

This semester, we have studied cultural mythologies associated with (1) Marriage and the Family, (2) Education, (3) Money and Success, (4) Gender and Sexuality, and (5) Equality.  For your final essay, you will have the opportunity to study one of these myths in greater depth. 

 

Select one of these topics, and write an essay (6-7 pages, double spaced, 1 inch margins) in which you express your opinion about a controversy related to that topic. Some examples of research questions that would lead to interesting essays are:

 

Is marriage about the biological drive to reproduce?

Does visibility on TV talkshows help gays and lesbians?

Is the educational system equal?  Should it be reformed? 

Does everyone have the same access to money and success?

Should affirmative action be repealed?  

Should gay marriage be legal?

Should advertising be censored?

Should there be a third sex in America? 

Is America a “melting pot” or a social/racial hierarchy? 

Should African Americans receive restitution?

 

Your essay should present a clear, well-supported argument about one of the issues we have discussed in class.  Your answer to the research question will be your thesis, and you should make an attempt to convince your reader of your point of view. 

 

You must use at least TWO articles from Rereading America to present your case.  (You might either use the article for support, or you could choose to argue against it.)   

 

You may also use personal experiences, or material you have read for pleasure or for another class to support your claim. 

 

All outside materials you use for this essay must be documented in MLA style. 

 

DUE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14th: A brief plan for your essay including your topic, your position, and where you will go for evidence. 

 

DUE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16th: Introduction and brief outline of your essay (2-3 pages).  

Bring 3 copies of your essay to class.  Failure to do so will result in an “F” in workshop (see syllabus, page 2)

 

DUE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 21st: Draft of your essay.  Bring 3 copies.  Failure to do so will result in an “F” in workshop. 

 

FINAL ESSAY DUE DECEMBER 7th