For this essay, you are going to write an argument paper. Your essay will be formatted in Chicago Style meaning it should include a title page, be 4-5 double-spaced pages, with 12 point type and one inch margins. Submit the essay in MS Word format, using the link in the Essay Assignment Module in Canvas.
Your essay will argue the complexity that is race. In this class we have continued to address race as a social construct with no biological evidence. Now you will discuss what you have learned about race.
1. Introduction: (1 paragraph) Your thesis statement should be in this paragraph and claim how the idea of race can be both not biologically real, yet socially very real. This means you are going to have to
2. Provide evidence that race is not biological.(1 paragraph)
3. Provide evidence that addresses how race has been socially constructed. (2-3 paragraphs)
4. Discuss why this happened, who has benefitted. (1 paragraph)
5. Discuss what is the current situation in the US with regards to race. ( 1-2 paragraphs)
6. Provide your personal input on what is your commitment level to becoming part of the solution. (1 paragraph)
7. Conclusion
At each point, explain how and why you think and feel the way you do.
Every point you make should be backed up with evidence. For example, suppose that you say in your paper that creating the category of whiteness in the time of slavery was creating race. You then need to cite some specific examples from any of our reading or video materials. Statements without proof are worthless.
You are welcome to use outside sources, but they are not necessary to receive full credit for the assignment. If you use outside sources, please include a works cited page using whatever style you are comfortable with. Outside sources such as news clips regarding current events are encouraged.
Always remember to credit other authors when you use their ideas or information, and to put quotation marks around direct quotes. Failure to do so constitutes plagiarism and could result in a failure for the assignment or course. In the body of the text, you should reference the author, work, and page number, whenever appropriate. Every source referenced in the text must be included in the bibliography. Your work will be graded on both the content of the paper and your ability to structure a clear, well-written argument (introduction-body-conclusion, coherent paragraphs, proper grammar, correct spelling).
