Reading response

A subculture is defined as a group that has beliefs and behaviors that are different from the main groups within a culture or society.

For this essay we will broaden this definition to include social groups that YOU belong to. Think about the brainstorming you did in week one when you chose which identity you would write about for your "How to Become a . . . "

Here is a list of some of the subcultures students have written about for this assignment:Gamers, Skaters, Mothers, Hikers/Outdoors Culture, Military, Polygamy, Musicians, Artists, LBGTQ, Fan Fiction, Fashion, Live Action Role Play, Feminists, Cascadia.

Do not worry right now whether or not your subculture will "work" for this assignment. Compose lists of the different issues you see in your subcultures to see what idea might be worth exploring in your essay. For example, a student belonged to the subculture of mothers, but her claim had to be more specific than that. The focus of her research essay then became the criticism from other mothers and the effects of such judgment. I have read essays about gender inequality in the gaming world, growing up in a polygamist family, and the demise of certain music scenes. So again, once you secure the subculture you will write about, begin to think of possible thesis statements.

As soon as possible, send me a message that explains which subculture you would like to write about and why.

AVOID THE WHALE RESEARCH ESSAY!

There is a certain type of research essay that I refer to as the whale essay. It is similar to research essays we wrote when we were younger. For example, if we were writing about whales we might think to include where whales live, what they eat, how they live, etc. We would give all the facts about whales. ​We are not writing this type of essay​.

This is still a thesis-driven essay. It is not as factual as it is argumentative. You already have opinions/claims about your subculture. You have authority to write about this subculture because you belong to it. You will use personal experiences as examples/support of the claims you make.

You will state your main claim/thesis and then conduct research to see what a variety of sources say about the same issue. This essay is designed so that you engage in a conversation with other sources about your subculture. You are not necessarily looking for all of your sources to agree with you. Show different opinions.

In the early stages of research, look for what is being written/happening in your subculture right now.

In the following pages of the module, you will learn about conducting research and evaluating sources and using North Seattle College's databases.