Critical Reflection #1
Written Essay
Based on your understanding of the readings and videos, films, and documentaries provided in Modules 1 & 2, address the following questions in your essay:
Overarching question (thesis question): What did it mean to be ethnically Mexican in the U.S. between the 1840s and 1940s?
Guiding Subquestions (body paragraphs):
In what ways have ethnic Mexicans/Mexican Americans and their communities been perceived/viewed as, and dealt with, as “problems” for U.S. society? What were some significant changes over this time period? What were some significant consistencies throughout this time period? Be sure to provide examples for at least 3 different historical eras/periods.
In what ways have ethnic Mexicans/Mexican Americans countered, responded to and resisted such historical policies, practices and (mis)representations?
What does learning this historical context tell us about issues beyond race, such as: indigeneity, class, gender, and immigrant/citizenship status in the Chicana/o/x community.
must use/reference or cite at least 4 course reading sources
must use/reference or cite at least 3 course films/videos
Short Essay Paper Requirements:
This essay has a word count minimum of 800 words.
Please make sure to have a clearly articulated Introduction, Thesis, and Conclusion.
Please format your essay with: 12-point font, double-spaced and with 1-inch margins.
Please use the MLA citation format and include a Works Cited Page.
Use MLA Header – Only on the first page
Example:
Name
Professor Name
Course Name & Number
Due Date
Title of Essay
**** Avoid using “Short Essay 1”; “Paper 1”; “Ethnic Studies Essay” or similar generic titles
Create and Use your own original title
This is a formal academic writing assignment and course assessment
I am more concerned with the content and ideas you put into the essay- YOUR ANALYSIS + COURSE ASSIGNED CONTENT
I am equally concerned with the integration, appropriate use and synthesis of course materials to support your own analysis and argument(s)
you are only required/expected to use the course materials (readings and videos) provided in this class. NO OUTSIDE SOURCES NEEDED.
I am less concerned with grammatical and spelling errors but too many poorly constructed sentences/paragraphs can result in taking attention away from your argument and content and negatively impact the overall grade.
Please make sure to PROOFREAD, EDIT and SPELL CHECK.
My strategy is to read the essay out loud to myself or to someone else. This really helps to spot errors in my writing.
You are asked to write about your understanding, perspective and arguments related to the topic. Your use of course materials should be used as supporting evidence and reveal synthesis and connections between them. Please make sure to cite the work of others. Proper citation avoids any confusion about suspected plagiarism.
DO NOT USE ANY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) WRITING GENERATORS FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT
Basic Rubric for Success:
Essay presents clearly articulated, organized and supported analysis & argument(s).
Essay has proper citations, and appropriate integration and synthesis of course materials
must use/reference or cite at least 4 course reading sources
must use/reference or cite at least 3 course audio/visual materials
Essay clearly addresses and responds to all 3 parts of the prompt provided above.
Essay follows MLA format.
Essay meets and/or exceeds the minimum word count.
Essay meets the assignment submission requirements and deadline.
Clearly and properly integrates and cites course materials
Write in first-person; make “I” statements; this is to express and highlight your own understanding, analysis, and arguments based on what you have learned in this class. You are just asked/required to use course reading and audio/visual materials to help you do so and provide supporting evidence.
