Background

Throughout the semester, we have read texts that define the American Dream and question whether or not that dream is in crisis or even something obtainable. We have focused, too, on how Black Americans are treated and the struggles they face in the United States in Black in America. In the face of oppression, we learned about achievements, too. In The 1619 Project, Nicole Hannah-Jones explores Black Americans' contributions to history and how they endured and succeeded in spite of many atrocities and obstacles. Reading these essays, in addition to your own lived experiences, you can probably agree there are certainly problems that affect society, preventing access to the American dream; in fact, some might not even call it a dream, perhaps a myth, a nightmare. What would it take to reach goals and dreams? Are there possible solutions? 

The Assignment

Your essay should first define the American dream. Next, focus on the status of the American Dream. Is it in crisis? Is it inaccessible?  Then propose solution(s), and whether or not you believe these solutions are effective in creating hope  for those seeking the American Dream.

Or you could argue that the American Dream is accessible/achievable. You would not be presenting a problem/solution essay, but an argument. You would have to be informed about those perspectives that identify crisis and engage those as part of the opposing views. 

 Tips

As you write your essay, consider the following questions.

• What is the underlying issue (s) ? (Go beyond the ideas of “poverty” and look at what authors suggest create these issues?) (Summarize)

• How do these issues affect access to the American Dream? (Connect)

• How do issues discussed relate to some of the readings and problems that have been brought up throughout our course? (Synthesize)

• What solutions does the author or the people he/she encounters propose or imply are an effective response? (Clarify and Explain)

• Are these solutions effective in creating hope for the American Dream? (Evaluate & Reflect)

  • Here is where you can briefly explore your personal thoughts on the issues addressed and our ongoing struggles to achieve the American Dream.

Background: 

Several states are banning books and criticizing curriculum designed for inclusion. Concepts and practices, such as critical race theory and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) surface. Some government leaders and parents are particularly interested in ensuring critical race theory be excluded from classrooms, as well as leaving out historical facts, claiming the discussion makes students uncomfortable, causes division, and is not age appropriate among other reasons. One book that we have read comes into this debate, Nicole Hannah Jones's The 1619 Project. You have studied this book and examined its content and should be able to articulate the arguments in it. How do they relate to the afore mentioned concerns? Do you want students to study books, such as The 1619 Project? 

The Assignment

 In a carefully organized argument, explain why we need or do not need education designed and driven to encourage critical race theory, inclusion, and/or cultural identity.  (You can focus on one or two of these). 

OR

How does limiting or removing access to books at libraries and schools affect all students' education? 

 Tips

As you write your essay, consider the following questions.

• What is the current problem with critical race theory and inclusion of multiple racial and cultural experiences in education?  (Summarize)

• How does this affect education? (Connect)

• Why do we need more inclusion (books such as the 1619 Project in education? (or not) (Connect )

• Why are educators and parents concerned about this topic? (Connect)

• How do you think  inclusion or exclusion of curriculum affects students? The future? (Connect)

• How do issues discussed relate to some of the readings and issues that have been brought up throughout our course? (Synthesize)

Choose Your Own Topic

Background: 

This semester we have read several arguments and discussed different perspectives on issues ranging from tipping to hip hop. Choose a topic we discussed this semester that you have not already explored in writing/research for this assignment. If you would like to pursue a new issue, you can go to the CRC Library's Opposing View Points

Links to an external site.

 You will find a list of arguments there to explore. Some of the ones we have discussed in class are mental health, gender roles, and cultural appropriation to name a few. 

The Assignment

 In a carefully organized essay, present your claim, your evidence and support, opposing views, and a conclusion about the topic you chose.

OR

Present your essay as a proposal. What is the problem? What caused it? Who is impacted by it? What solutions can you offer? 

Tips

As you write your essay, consider the following questions.

• What is the current problem/issue?  (Summarize)

• How does this affect ________? (Connect)

• Why should people care?

• What are the multiple view points?

• Does your issue have multiple issues? How will this affect your planning and explanation of your argument?

• How do issues discussed relate to some of the readings and issues that have been brought up throughout our course? (Synthesize)

• An Introduction that  leads logically to your thesis where you clarify specific issue.

  • Background information on your issue/problem.

  • Why people should care about your issue? (This does not have to be in the introduction but could be threaded throughout the essay as you discuss evidence or support). 

• Thesis that represents the direction of the essay and strongly represents your claim. 

• Support for thesis points using relevant ideas, information, quotations, and paraphrases. Be sure to use specific details and acknowledge the source as needed. (Be Reader-Based)
  
  

  • Develop connections  and ideas/information from at least two of the texts we’ve read this semester (if the topic is appropriate). These should be meaningful connections that add to our understanding of your argument. 

  • Provide examples from all of your sources using correct MLA citation, including signal phrases and page numbers as needed.

  • Engagement and discussion of opposing views or different perspectives.

• Demonstrate effective communication. 

• Conclusion

• Write at least 6-8 meaningful, well-supported and developed paragraphs. (Minimum is 7 full pages for essay + Works Cited=8 pages)

• Format in MLA and include a Works Cited.

 Due Dates

Your essay should be at least 7 full pages in MLA format and include Works Cited=8 pages and is due 5/15.

FIVE SOURCES must be cited and referenced in your essay. 

Submission

You can submit a traditional essay, or you may submit this assignment on Google sites/building a google site.