How Does It Feel to Be a Problem? Being Young and Arab in America by Moustafa Bayoumi, Penguin Books

Choose any two or one of the following course concepts and discuss how they apply to experiences of Muslim youth presented in Bayomi’s text. You are expected to choose one story from Bayomi’s book for your paper.

  •  Double-Consciousness
  •  Orientalism
  •  Marked Identity
  •  Othering/Other
  •  Stereotypes/representation
  •  Discourse
  •  Context
  •  Moral Politics
  •  Youth
  •  Structure/Agency

Requirements: The paper should be minimum four pages in length and double-spaced.

Total Points: 100

Introduction – 15 points

Clearly state which two concepts you will be utilizing in your paper to discuss the experiences of Arab youth in the US. Also clearly emphasize which story (Bayoumi’s book) you have chosen to discuss in your paper. The introduction should include the main goals of your paper. Introduce the reader to what they should expect in the main body of your paper. You may also start with a clear thesis statement.

Section on Experience – 35 points

Discuss the importance of being familiar with someone’s experience/story. What is the significance and usefulness of story-telling as a methodological tool? What are Bayoumi’s arguments in this regard? Relevant course readings must be cited and referenced.

Concepts – 35 Points

Define the concepts you choose. You must provide precise sociological/academic definitions with relevant citations from the required readings. Why are these concepts essential for understanding the particular story/experience that you have chosen to write about? Apply these concepts to the story that is the focus of your paper. How does the story you have chosen demonstrate the concepts you have chosen? In your application of the concepts, please provide examples and use quotes to substantiate your arguments. (THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT) You must demonstrate that you have read all the materials that you cite. All quotes must be followed by your understanding and engagement with them.

Conclusion – 15 Points

Summarize your paper in a paragraph. For instance, what did you aim to accomplish in your paper and what is your conclusion based on the concepts you applied?