Rereading American Culture

Due Date

Week 16 - Fri.

Requirements

• Problem-based research-driven essay
• 3-4 pages, double-spaced
• Use MLA or APA format and include a separate Works Cited Page with at least three sources
• Signed permission agreement and scoring standard attached

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Purpose

This assignment is intended to help you put together the research and writing skills you have been practicing throughout the semester. Use the writing process to draft a polished essay that has a clear focus or thesis, is well organized and well reasoned, and integrates research sources smoothly.

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Assignment Description

After completing the “Rereading American Images” assignment, you have a solid foundation for completing this assignment. By analyzing an image, you have already started the process of “rereading America ,” at least one aspect of it. Now you will need to take that process to a deeper level through research. Use the questions the image has raised in your mind as research questions. What, specifically, does the image say about American culture and values? Investigate that message through research, and write a focused essay informed by that research.

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Tips

• Start your research as soon as you receive your assignment description.
• Be sure to make interesting connections and avoid the obvious.
• Carefully select and integrate quotes so that your own authorial voice is not obscured. Also be sure to cite the sources whether you are summarizing, paraphrasing, or using a direct quote.
• Do your research first, and then decide on your thesis/focus and which of the following modes is appropriate for your essay.

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Mode Options

• Persuasive
• Exploratory/analysis
• Cause and effect
• Personal narrative (must be research-driven)
• Blended genre – any combination of these and/or other modes

This assignment is worth 100 points.

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