The major paper for the course will consists of five paragraphs, including an introduction
(with a thesis statement) and a conclusion. The resulting format is as follows:
Introduction (w/thesis)
Body A (Resistance form 1)
Body B (Resistance form 2 comparison)
Body C (Resistance form 3 comparison)
Conclusion
As indicated above, each body paragraph will analyze and interpret a form of resistance we have covered thus far in the semester (3 minimum). In addition, each body paragraph will build upon the prior paragraphs by comparing/contrasting the forms of resistance. For example, Body A will introduce the first resistance form, while Body B will introduce the second form and compare it to the first, and Body C will introduce the third form and compare it to the two prior forms. You should expect each body paragraph to increase in terms of analysis and length.
Your analysis will be evaluated on three criteria:
A clear interpretation of the authors’ texts (at least one primary and one secondary source per body paragraph).
A comprehensive explanation of the resistance forms in both theory and practice.
Inclusion of at least TWO cultural categories in your overall discussion that examine “cultural diversity” in the United States through the lens of resistance.
You are free to structure your paragraphs and overall paper as you choose, but there are a few parameters that need to be followed:
The introductory paragraph must contain a clear thesis statement.
Body paragraphs should proceed in the order that they appear in the introductory thesis.
Body paragraphs must contain the following in their format:
-Topic Sentence
-Direct quotes from the texts (at least 2 per paragraph)
-Commentary that interprets each quote as is relevant to your topic(s)
-Transition
Forms of Resistance (Pick 3)
Theory (bell hooks/Weeks)
Borderlands/Cultural Hybridity (Anzaldúa/Gaspar de Alba/Campoverde)
Bearing Witness (Richardson/Hammad)
Unification/Solidarity/Coalition (Beltrán)
Intersectionality (Crenshaw/Campoverde)
Decolonization (Tuck & Yang)
Disobedience/Defiance (“Killing in the Name”)
Education (“Take the Power Back”)
Psychological Independence (“Cult of Personality”)
Erotic Power (Lorde/Rubin)
[1] As a general guideline, commentary should be double the length of the quote to which it is responding.
