es

0812 Essay Assignment Two

Overview

In addition to the requirements of Assignment One, this assignment requires students to develop a scholarly research program on a topic related to class readings. It also requires students to create an original thesis, and to relate both scholarly and popular sources to that thesis.

Procedure

To complete this assignment, you must:

1) Write a research proposal

a) Review all course readings in Unit Two, including both popular and scholarly sources, and decide on a related topic to research. Suggested topics:

i) Authenticity of a particular ethnic cuisine in the US

ii) Similarities and differences between the Americanization of two different ethnic cuisines

b) Write a one-paragraph description of your topic, including your reasons for choosing it, and a preliminary thesis statement

c) With your description, include an MLA-formatted, preliminary list of four sources that relate to your topic

i) Two sources must be peer-reviewed academic sources

ii) You may use a maximum of two sources that have been assigned in class

d) Submit this proposal (description plus list of sources) for approval; you may not write a paper on an unapproved topic

2) Plan and complete a first draft based on your research

a) You may need more research to complete your argument

b) You must create an improved, more complex and interesting thesis in this draft; some students change theses entirely

3) Complete a second draft based on peer feedback and your own careful reconsideration of your research

Essay Content

Your essay must include:

1) An introductory paragraph that:

a) Introduces the overall topic, and explains why it is important

b) States a clear, narrow, debatable thesis about that topic

c) Briefly notes sources, explaining how each relates to the thesis

2) Well-organized body paragraphs that include:

a) A full description of your topic, including examples wherever possible

b) An informative discussion of your peer-reviewed scholarly sources, that connects each to your thesis

c) (Optional) descriptions of your own experiences with food and eating in the US; spend no more than half a page on this

3) A conclusion paragraph that summarizes your argument, and explains why it is interesting and relevant to educated audiences

Format Requirements

Your essay must:

1) Be double-spaced, with one-inch margins (2.54 cm), and a 12-point serif font like Times New Roman

2) Include an MLA header and page numbers, and an informative title

3) Include an MLA Works Cited page

4) Include parenthetical citations for quotations and paraphrases of other writers

5) Be at least 1000 words long in the final draft

6) Be saved as an electronic file in .doc, .docx, .pdf, or .rtf format

Due Dates [also noted on Canvas Calendar and Canvas Assignments]

A. Proposal due on paper in class, and on Canvas:

Section 004 (11am MW) March 11

Section 007 (2pm MW) March 11

Section 017 (11:40 TR) March 12

B. Draft One due on Canvas only for Peer Review [location to be announced]:

Section 004 (11am MW) March 20

Section 007 (2pm MW) March 20

Section 017 (11:40 TR) March 21

C. Sign up for Conference Two on Canvas Calendar after 7 PM on Wednesday, March 27 [all sections]

D. Draft Two due on Canvas by 11:59 PM for Dorothy to read:

Section 004 (11am MW) Thursday, March 28

Section 007 (2pm MW) Thursday, March 28

Section 017 (11:40 TR) Friday, March 29

E. Conferences held on April 1 and 2—know your appointment time