needs to be over letters to Birmingham by Martin Luther king JR
An argument analysis is an essay in which the writer identifies an argument, describes it—including the primary argument, secondary claims, and evidence–, and then analyzes the argument. For this assignment, each student writer will select one essay from the required course readings (be careful to choose a reading we read in class, not just a reading from the textbook!) and then identify and describe the argument. After the argument has been identified and described, the student writer will analyze it from a social ethics lens. In doing so, the student writer will identify an ethical problem that the primary argument raises.
For example, in “Graduation” by Maya Angelou, one argument that a student could identify is that all students (regardless of class, race, or geographic location) deserve equal access to education. An ethical problem that it raises is the act of redlining dividing educational districts by socioeconomic status of those living in the geographic area.
Once the student has identified the ethical problem, they will spend a significant amount of the essay explaining that problem and positing a solution for it. For the example above, the student might suggest dividing all educational funds evenly between all districts instead of basing district funds on the SES status of the geographic area. The student writer will then anticipate problems that could arise from their solution, such as parents from a higher SES area complaining that money is being taken away from their children’s education.
The purpose of this essay is to 1) show that the student writer is capable of identifying and describing an argument as well as 2) analyzing the complexities of that argument. Additionally, the essay will 3) show that the student has an understanding of social ethics and is capable of positing solutions for systemic problems.
The student writer should remember that analysis does not exhort its audience as if it were an op-ed piece. It is not interested in appealing to or replicating popular opinion. Instead, it is a thoughtful attempt to produce insightful scholarly perspective by confronting the difficulty of naming and solving a relevant ethical problem.
Although the heart of the assignment is in the social analysis, the student writer should also isolate the writer’s primary and secondary claims and describe how they operate. When presenting the writer’s claims, you should present textual evidence and analysis that supports your argument. Throughout the essay, you must explain how the selected examples connect to your overarching argument.
The final version should be 1000-1500 words, 12pt font and double-spaced.
