Research Paper Freewrite

Your research paper topic needs to be specific. Do not list your topic in general terms such as," I will be writing on the death penalty." You need to explore a specific facet of an issue. For example, "I will research and write about whether or nor the death penalty is appropriate for mentally disabled criminals." As I've stated in the research paper description, the best topics are those you are interested in or have a personal investment. The first step is a freewrite. It must be typed, double-spaced and at least one page long. At the bottom of the page, please include one to two sentences that specify what your research paper topic will be. Remember to keep it specific. It is okay to change your topic after you turn in the freewrite. Just make sure to email me your updated topic.

Research paper description

This class requires you to write an 8-10 page research paper. In order to complete the assignment and enjoy the experience at the same time, it is important to select a topic that interests you or you feel passionate about. In addition, this project will be much easier to tackle if you do all the preparation assignments thoroughly and on time. Your essay will require you to gather outside sources (conduct research), such as books and articles, to use in your paper to provide support for your claims. The preparation assignments are as follows:

Freewrite (Due 10/3): a one-page, typed freewrite exploring possible paper topics.

Outline (Due 10/26): a detailed, typed outline using a number/letter scheme that clearly illustrates how you plan to organize your essay. This outline may change as you continue in the process.

Annotated bibliographies (Due: 11/2): Submit two typed MLA format citations of your intended sources with 1-2 paragraphs summarizing the text and how the source will be useful in your essay to provide support.

Quote Cards (Due 11/9): submit a Xerox of 10 index cards that list key quotes from your sources (the sources will be listed in MLA format).

Thesis Statement (Due 11/21): Submit your thesis statement as it will appear in your essay (remember Topic + Assertion = Thesis Statement).

Draft Workshop (Due 11/30: Bring three copies of your research paper for an in-class draft workshop. (Bring an additional copy of your first page if you would like me to review it) You will only receive credit if your draft is typed, a minimum of
8 pages and includes:
- complete sentences
- an introduction
- a conclusion
- a thesis statement
- quotes
- a works cited page

Final Draft due 12/7

NO LATE PAPERS! NO EMAILED PAPERS!

Bring an ad

Please bring a magazine advertisement to class on Monday. Choose one that includes people and you suspect depicts gender or social class issues. The wackier the better.

Short Assignment #2

In his article "Trung Dung," Dan Rather portrays Dung as the embodiment of the American Dream. For your assignment, you will write a letter to Mr. Rather and inform him:
- What is lacking from his portrayal.
- What is accurate about his portrayal
- How his story of Trung Dung relates to the two previous articles you read (Alger and Dalton)
- The article on Trung Dung was written in 2OO1. What has change in the past four years? Is Trung Dung still an example of the American Dream or has that dream changed?
- In your own words, how do you define the American Dream?

This assignment must be typed and double-spaced (one pape minimum). Focus on writing clear, concise sentences and make sure to proofread.

The assignment is due Monday, Sept. 26th.

Draft Workshop on 9/12

Remember, there will be an in-class draft workshop on Tuesday. You need to bring three copies of your essay rough draft to class. The essay does not need to be polished and perfect, but it does need to be at least three pages, include complete sentences in paragraph form (no outlines or notes) and have a thesis statement. You will work in groups following a worksheet for giving feedback. If you'd like to bring an extra copy of your first page, I can read it during class and give you my comments on your intro paragraph and thesis statement. This is a good opportunity to receive advice/feedback from me before turning in your final paper. I will not be grading your drafts, but you will receive points (25) for coming to class prepared and participating in the workshop.

Note: If you are currently enrolled in this class and did not take the in-class test and/or have already missed more than two classes, you may want to consider dropping the class before the drop date and it appears on your transcript.

In class test on 9/7

You will be taking an in-class test on "The Seven-Lesson School Teacher" by John Taylor Gatto. Make sure to read the article at least once and bring a blue book. It will be helpful if you can reread the entire article again before the test or reread any sections you may have felt confusion about the first time around. Also, underline important parts, write little notes in the margins and try answering the questions at the end of the article so you feel familiar with Gatto's main points. The test will be short answer (about one paragraph per question). You should be able to identify the thesis of the article, make claims about the article (that you support with quotes from the article) and analysis specific quotes.

If you have any questions or concerns leading up to this test or about your upcoming essay, don't hesitate to email me.