Research Paper
Assignment: your task is to write a six-page research paper in which to explore your topic of interest. This essay should showcase your talents as a writer.
Criteria for evaluation:
When I evaluate your essay, I will be paying special attention to the aspects of the essay listed below. You should think about the criteria as you are writing your paper, and you should check the criteria after you have written a draft to see how well your essay meets each of the evaluation criteria.
relevant choice of topic
clear purpose and justification of the topic
efficient introduction of the topic
background information
coherent argument
effectively addressing opposing views
minimum of six sources
original thinking
use of sources – processing information
correct and full citations in MLA
Strong and focused thesis statement
smooth transitions
displays complexity of thoughts
well developed and organized
style (the attitude you convey, word choice, no wordiness, the use of clichés,)
mechanics (spelling, grammar, complete sentences, correct punctuation…) “A,” “B,” and “C” essays contain almost no errors. Significant or numerous errors are a characteristic of a “D” or “F” essay. (Detailed requirements for each grade on the syllabus).
Regulations for an “A’ Paper:
– Needs to be plagiarism-free.
-Originality
-Thorough, complete, and accurate information
-Well developed and organized
– Contains appropiate examples, details, and/or supporting information
-Thoroughly proofread and easy to read.
-Meets and/or exceeds all standards including page length
-Conveys a superior understanding of audience, situation, and purpose analysis
Present and justify the need to study the topic.
Begin formulating the argument you’ll make.
This aspect of Chesnutt’s story delves into the complex identity faced by characters like Mr. Ryder, who belong to a light-skinned, supposedly superior social class within the African American community. This topic is significant for a few reasons:
1. The Blue Vein society’s prejudice against darker-skinned Blacks exposes a colorism within the Black community itself, a topic often unexplored but with lasting social ramifications. Mr. Ryder grapples with where he truly belongs. Is it the Blue Veins, who provide an opportunity to seemingly surpass racial barriers in a segregated world, or his wife, who stands in for his African American heritage? The narrative forces us to consider the cost Mr. Ryder bears in order to be accepted by a society founded on white supremacy. Must he give up his identity and his wife in order to assimilate?
2. By examining this internal conflict, we gain a deeper understanding of the psychological burdens borne by those caught between racial categories. This analysis can contribute to discussions about colorism, interracial prejudice, and the complexities of racial identity in a society defined by racial hierarchies.
3. While Mr. Ryder seeks social advancement through the Blue Veins, “The Wife of His Youth” suggests that such assimilation comes at a great cost. His internal struggle reflects the impossibility of truly erasing one’s racial heritage and the dangers of succumbing to intraracial prejudice in the pursuit of societal acceptance.
What is listed below, needs to be submitted today before 11:59pm for citation approval on a seperate page.
Look for academic articles published in reputable academic journals. You can find many in electronic format on our library site. (Wikipedia, dictionary entries, sparksnotes, and the like are not academic sources).
Make a list of at least six sources with full citations and a short paragraph for each source referencing what information from that source will help with your topic.
