This is a critical writing assignment. You will write an argumentative essay based on evidence that is supported in the textbook, scholarly articles or books. Even though the position you choose will undoubtedly be influenced by your opinion, there is no place for it (your opinion) in an academic essay. This is not about what you think; it is about critically reading the material, choosing a side and defending it with sound evidence from the course text, lectures, and other scholarly articles and books. You must provide facts, not your opinions or beliefs.
At least 1000 words (this is 4-5 pages) double-spaced and numbered. Works Cited/Reference page is not included in this page requirement.
You must use a cover page, do not repeat any of the information from the cover letter on subsequent pages.
Read both sides of the argument presented in text. YOU MUST STATE EXPLICITLY WHICH SIDE YOU SELECTED AND ARE GOING TO SUPPORT. If I cannot ascertain this information, you will lose points.
Provide a summary of both arguments. This MUST include the authors’ main idea and /or perspective (this is essential). Cite the information accordingly
Choose one of the author’s perspectives and defend it using course material as evidence to support your claims. You MUST read both sides to make an informed decision and to effectively defend your chosen view.
You are required to present academic evidence from course text (Schaefer) and/or outside academic articles to support your choice: YES or NO. Using Schaefer is mandatory.
This is a research-based assignment therefore, grammar, sentence structure and research citation: MLA, APA, or Chicago will serve as the fundamental grading criteria.
You should have at least three sources in your references list for your essay: Schaefer and both authors for the essay assignment. You must cite all three parenthetically as well. Your essay and grade will be strengthened by using outside sources as well.
Essay 1: Issue 15. Is Racism a Permanent Feature of American Society? P. 85
YES: Derrick Bell, from Faces at the Bottom of the Well: The Permanence of Racism (Basic Books, 1992) 89
NO: Russell Niele, from “’Postracialism’: Do We Want It?” Princeton Alumni Weekly (vol. 110, no 7, Jan. 13, 2010) 97
