Objectives: The goal of this essay is to help you develop your own thesis-driven argument about the course content. Rather than responding to one or more specific readings, you are expected to respond to a specific question and to use a variety of course material to support your answer. Over the course of the semester, you have become qualified through in-depth study of American exceptionalism to take your own position on relevant questions, and to support your position with the ideas and opinions of others as accessed through class readings.
- After reading the assigned question, begin by jotting down your initial reactions to it. Based on your own understanding of the course topic, how would you answer this question? It is highly recommended that you begin rather informally, jotting down as many ideas as you can with regard to the assigned question. Do not concern yourself at this early stage with constructing a focused and coherent answer.
- As you begin to respond to the assigned question, you may also begin to take note of which specific class readings seem most relevant to this question. In thinking about the assigned question, which readings come to mind? Can other class readings be connected to this question, even if it may not be their central focus?
- In reviewing your initial responses to the assigned question, look for common threads that can serve as a starting point for formulating a thesis. Your ultimate goal is to articulate your answer to the assigned question in a clear sentence that can serve as the thesis statement for your paper.
- With a preliminary thesis statement in hand, begin to identify which class readings will be most helpful for supporting this statement. Begin to look at each reading in more detail to determine exactly what parts of the reading are most relevant to your thesis. Make note of specific sections that can be incorporated into your paper as evidence.
- Prepare a tentative outline that lists the points and corresponding textual evidence you plan to use to support your thesis.
- Once you have an outline, you are ready to start writing your first draft.
Deadlines: As with previous assignments, I will ask you to draft a one-sentence thesis statement. However, I also want you to construct a reasonable well-defined outline as well. The thesis-and-outline will be due IN CONFERENCE with me on either Monday, November 26 or Wednesday, November 28. (A sign-up sheet for conference times will be available in class a week ahead of time.) We will meet one-on-one for a 15-minute conference concerning your thesis, evidence, and supporting arguments as described in the outline.
Based on availability, you can decide which of the two days you will meet with me, but be aware of the trade-offs involved. For example, meeting Wednesday gives you more time to complete your outline, but leaves you with less time for revision. If you absolutely cannot make the scheduled meeting times, contact me to arrange an alternative meeting time.
Your first draft of the essay is due in class on Wednesday, December 5. Again, if you cannot make it to class, you need to make alternate arrangements with me. You MUST attach the thesis-and-outline statement page we discussed in conference. I will provide comments on the drafts and return to you the following Monday (12/10).
Your final draft is due on Wednesday, December 19, at the beginning of class. You should attach your first draft AND your thesis-and-outline, because I will want to track how the essay has been revised.
Just to be clear, these again are the deadlines:
Monday, Nov. 26/Wednesday, Nov. 28
Thesis and Outline Due IN CONFERENCE
Wednesday, December 5
First Draft Due (w/ thesis/outline attached)
Wednesday, December 19
Final Draft Due (w/ 1st draft & thesis/outline attached)
Grading: Grading will be based on the criteria provided in your syllabus. However, FIVE additional considerations will also be factored into your grade:
- If you do not meet with me in conference to discuss your thesis and outline, I will deduct a full letter grade from your grade for the assignment.
- If you do not submit your first draft in class on Wednesday, December 5, I will deduct a full letter grade from your grade for the assignment.
- If you hand in your final draft late, without a valid and documented excuse, I will deduct a full letter grade from your grade for the assignment. However, you should also note that if you do not leave me enough time to grade the paper before the semester ends, you will receive an “F” for the assignment.
- If you do not attach your thesis/outline to the first draft, or the first draft to the final draft, I will deduct a third of a letter grade from your grade for the assignment for each offense.
- In general, you should revise extensively between the first draft and final draft. A lack of revision will be reflected negatively in the final grade.
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