Argumentative Essay on Reparations

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Writing Project Prompt: Argument Paper 1

Background: The theme of the next unit in this course deals with the ongoing debate on reparations in the United States. We will read texts from several different writers who engage with this debate and who each formulate distinct and nuanced positions on the topic. Ta-Nehisi Coates argues in his “The Case for Reparations” that reparations are less about money and more about atoning for the egregious historic mistreatment of the African American community. We will analyze the structure and content of Coates’ argument, understanding both his claims and the support he offers for those claims. Conversely, we will read essays from writers who articulate positions antithetical to that of Coates. Both Kevin D. Williamson’s and Solomon Green’s essays lay out rather clear arguments against the case for reparations, albeit in different ways and with different concerns. We will have the opportunity to read Ta-Nehisi Coates’ response to Williamson’s critique in Coates’ essay, “The Case for American History.” The point is this: you will be exposed to different viewpoints in this very important conversation and, as critical thinkers and writers in college, it is your task to step into that conversation and represent each of these perspectives fairly, as well as developing and communicating your own.

Your Task: Now that we have taken inventory of the texts we’ve read; it is time to consider your job as a writer. For this assignment, you are tasked with situating yourself within the larger conversation surrounding reparations and articulate a position for yourself regarding this subject. This means that you will formulate your own point of view in writing and interweave the ideas of other writers into that writing, properly citing those writers. You will be able to speak on the topic of reparations in an authoritative manner. We will go over how to build off of your thesis statement and create tight paragraphs that propose claims and, consequently, support for those claims.

Things I will look for: In lieu of a formal rubric that lists each element you should incorporate into your paper; I will instead provide you with a few questions I will keep in mind as I peruse your drafts. One question I will have in mind pertains to how well you convey to your reader the purpose of your paper. What is your thesis statement? That is, what is your stance on the position of U.S. Reparations. Does your thesis clearly articulate your position and the sole reason for your particular stance? Another question that I will ask myself concerns your argument paper’s organization. Do you provide your reader with a layout of your paper? Have you included subheadings whereby your reader can better navigate your draft? The final, and perhaps most important question I will keep in mind involves how well you implement outside sources into your paper. Do you show good writerly judgement in deciding to summarize/paraphrase/quote each individual source? Each time you introduce another author’s work, is there clear indication as to when that author’s ideas end and yours begin? Also, do you use these sources in meaningful ways (to provide support, to provide context, to place in conversation with another source, etc.)?

Formatting & Other Specifics: In order to receive credit for your argument paper draft, it must conform to the following basic requirements:

· Paper must be 4 – 5 COMPLETE pages (or more, if you feel so inclined)

· Must include 4 outside sources, including one “scholarly” source from an online library database (i.e. Gale, Academic Search Complete, JSTOR, etc.)

· Proper MLA Format: Times New Roman, 12-Point Font, double-spaced & 1” margins

· Works Cited page wherein you list every source your paper references

Due Date: Wednesday, March 11th by class time. Upload on Canvas AND bring hard copy for workshop activity.