the student is being asked to examine and analyze his/her life as a case study in the form of an ethnography (self as a site of culture). In particular, students will explore the overarching themes of Identity, Meaning and Culture through the lens of culture/race/privilege. The paper should be 6-8 pages in length (12 pt. font, double spaced), include a “Works Cited” list and pull together THE ATTACHED FILES, AND also include at least 5 scholarly sources
Storytelling/description of the scene: Your story should be limited: describe enough material to make a claim, but not so much that you get lost in the whole story of your life. I will ask these questions of your paper: Does the author describe and/or provide clear details about the story? Do they convey a sense of why this story is a relevant object of study? Is the story adequately focused? Does the story connect with the readers’ senses (smell, taste, sound, sight, touch)?
Concept/s: Your paper should engage ONE key concept from the reading. You will want to define the concept using one or more quotes from the reading plus your interpretation of the concept. The concept should be clearly defined and appropriate to analyze the story. Consider these questions: Does author clearly define the concept? Does the author use a quote from the reading? Does the author also define the concept in her/his own words? Is the concept appropriate to the story?
Analysis: Your paper should offer original insights derived from your reading of your story in conversation concept. Questions include: Does the author use evidence and/or examples from story to support claims? Does author connect their concept to the story? Does author offer original insights into the concept and their own story? Does the author challenge or extend the concept? Does the author contribute to a scholarly conversation in the field?
Organization: your paper should include a clearly defined thesis, preview, set of main points or sections with transitions; each section should begin with a paragraph that frames what the section does and why it is relevant/necessary to the argument. Your goal as a writer is to orient your reader so that your ideas flow from one another. Key questions: Do ideas and arguments build on one another in a well-organized manner? Does the author frame arguments and use transitions between sections?
Depth/creativity (clarity, complexity, voice): Is there a coherent thesis statement and strong conclusions? Are ideas and analysis sufficiently complex? Do we “hear” the author’s voice?
Grammar: Does author use appropriate grammar, language, and spelling? Are sources properly cited?
