consider the inherent arguments of the following five texts:
Moser & Watters – creating america
Creating America —Creating America
Declaration of Independence
Chuck Paulahniuk – choke—Choke
Barack Obama American identities “American Identities”
Joe Henry – Our song
in a carefully-considered and coherent fashion, please cite, explain and take a position (support/attack/adapt) on the following assertion: In Creating America, Joyce Moser and Ann Watters write, “In understanding American identities, we need to come to terms with unity and division, with separateness and common ground.” Use your notes to discuss the implications of the argument. Be specific in your analysis as you explain the logic of the assertion; consider things like the specific language used in the text, paying special attention to any of the abstract terminology that emerges from the text. Once you are satisfied with the results of your analysis and explanation, please end this paragraph with a statement of your position on the question: Do the secondary texts (Jefferson, Palahniuk, Obama, Henry) support the primary argument posed by Moser & Watters? Use as many sentences as you need to English 1A Position Paper (50 Points) establish this but be aware that your reader should be aware of the topic, your opinion of that topic and the modes of development that you will use to support that opinion. 2. The subsequent four body paragraphs should offer a detailed discussion of the relationship between the above argument, the relevant assertions present in the four secondary texts and your position on the issues they raise and how these issues relate to the primary argument. How are these arguments a description of the conflict inherent in American identity that we have identified? How does one’s thinking impact this dynamic? Whatever approach to the above questions you adopt, please be specific, citing relevant details from your own subjective experience, presented in an objective, critical way. 3. Finally, your essay should conclude with a brief paragraph that discusses how an understanding of the basic logic of the argument helps one to understand the concept of American identity. 4. Be sure that your essay is thoughtful, carefully proofread and properly formatted. Please follow the guidelines in the handouts carefully. Position Paper–Guidelines This is the basic structure of your essay. If you follow these steps, you should be able to clearly and thoughtfully express your opinion. Introduction 1. Cite the primary argument directly. 2. Explain the logic of the argument: Consider the basic ideas and conflicts that help one understand the primary argument. 3. Take a position on the argument in relation to the ideas presented by the secondary sources. How do the ideas of these readings relate to the primary text in relation to the way in which they investigate American identity? Do the texts illustrate the logic of the argument presented by Moser & Watters? Body Paragraphs—You should write one body paragraph per secondary source. 1. Topic Sentence This must be a subjective statement of your opinion. 2. Textual Evidence Use direct quotes from the secondary texts. 3. Explication (make obvious—show that you understand the text) Explanation of the literal meaning of the textual evidence you have chosen (critical thinking) 4. Connection How does the evidence relate to the topic sentence? (critical thinking) 5. Contextualization How does the evidence relate to the thesis? (critical thinking) Conclusion 1. Summarize the basic ideas of your argument (2-3 sentences) 2. Connect your argument to the larger topic (2-3 sentences) What should your reader understand about American identity after reading your essay.
