DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.

Writing Assignment One

What's in a Name?

due: 9\19 (10% of total course grade)

 

WHAT TO DO:

Write a paper comparing Mairs' use of the word "cripple" and Barry's discussion of the term "Redskin" to the use of specific contested term in your own life experience. Specific instruction and practice will be offered in class. The following is an overview.

 

Look to the bottom of this page for two "A" level responses to this assignment by ENG 11 students, the first by Gabrielle Parham and the latter by Mathew Reyes.


Requirements:

    • Length: 3-4 pages (approximately 900 words)
    • Use quotations from both readings (and other in-class readings if you wish)
    • Credit sources by using quotation marks, in-text citations, and a list of Works Cited (MLA style)
    • typewrite and use MLA format (double-space; one inch margins)
    • Hand in document printed on one side only – no electronic documents

How to (suggested):

draft--steps 1-3

1) One page on the MAIRS reading:

    • Include a brief summary with at least one short quotation
    • Describe Mairs' ideas using at least two short quotations

2) One page on the BARRY reading:

    • Include a brief summary with at least one short quotation
    • Explain one perspective from Barry using at least one more quotation

3) Get personal! 1-2 pages on how this use of language connects with your own life:

    • What contested term are you discussing in your own life?
    • How does its meaning change depending on how it's used or who's using it?
    • Narrate--describe a particular personal encounter using this word and talk about what significance the term had in this encounter.
    • Argue--what do you think? Do names or epithets really matter? Why or why not?

questions to help you get started/organize your thoughts--you are NOT required to answer these!

    • Why is this contested term important to ME?
    • Should the Redskins be called the Redskins?
    • How does the everyday use of a contested term (like, the n-word) help change its meaning or make the term less charged?
    • Is our culture becoming oversensitive about language?
    • How can the use of a contested term (like, "cripple) be liberating or empowering?

finishing up

    • Choose the best order for these pieces of writing
    • Add an introduction and conclusion
    • Define contested terms
    • Read your work over out loud slowly and fix any mistakes you find
    • Make up your own title! 

Where to find help

Writing Center--Sage Hall

MLA style--online resource – OWL @ Purdue

Prof. Rodas--CO 641, Mon 12:30-1:30, or, by appointment--julia.rodas@bcc.cuny.edu


Skills we're practicing

  • Notetaking
  • Using quotations in an essay
  • Documenting sources (MLA style)
  • Summarizing
  • Forming a personal connection with research
  • Defining terms
  • Breaking a writing assignment into do-able pieces
DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.
DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.
DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.