LGBTQ MODULE 2

Assignment Sheet: HUMA 2319 – Major Essay

Format:

• Typed, 12pt Times New Roman font, double-spaced with 1-inch margins all around

• Name, date, class & assignment in upper left corner (NOT as a header function)

• Last name and pg# as upper right HEADER

• Title – centered

• Proper spelling and grammar

• Academic tone – avoid: 2nd person/the written “you”; slang, clichés/overused phrases; vague

word choices (a lot, stuff, things) and absolutes (always, every, never, since the beginning of

time)

Requirements:

• 1500 word minimum

• Multiple paragraphs & evidence of editing/planning

• Clear thesis/argument & analysis

• Use of at least 4 credible sources

• Use of at least one quote &/or paraphrase, complete with in-text citation done in proper MLA

format or another equivalent citation style, from each source

• Properly formatted MLA Works Cited page or its equivalent

Assignment: Throughout this semester, you have been building a foundation of information about

various cultures, identities, & issues. This should hopefully also have given you an idea for a “call to

action” – a desire to stand/speak up for or work to improve living conditions for the minority group you wrote about. Your Major Essay requires that you attempt to solve a current or enduring issue for a

specific minority group. You will use research to support your claims, identify the problem, offer a well-

thought-out solution, & argue for its implementation.

Some examples of possible issues that could be addressed: if you are addressing the LGTB community,

you might focus on their representation in media or even legal problems such as access to bathrooms,

conversion therapy, or adoption difficulties. Or, if you are discussing the African American community, you could look at voter suppression in a variety of states or police violence. These are examples only –

you may choose to write about them, but you are not limited to them.

Students should address issues that they really care about because a “call to action” is more than an

argument; it is a philosophy of the humanities and being humane.

To do this, you will:

1. Define & identify the minority group (DO NOT address ALL or multiple minorities – focus on

ONE) and outline/forecast the major parts of your essay. 2. Address, describe, &/or explain a specific problem for that minority group.

3. Offer a defined solution and how it will help the group/situation.

4. Argue/explain why it matters that this is addressed & is beneficial to the group & America at large. (3) Support your contentions and “call to action” throughout your essay with valid chains

of reason, examples, critical thinking, and most importantly the requirements listed below.

Suggested Outline for the Paper:

• Introduction of the topic & a clear statement of your thesis/argument statement o The introduction should “hook” the readers & catch their attention.

o A BRIEF blueprint of your argument – how your argument will be addressed; this isn’t a

summary of the essay o Thesis Statement – not just a statement of topic or intent (i.e. “in this paper I will…”), but

what you believe about what you’re arguing.

The Elements of Formal Analysis HUMA 1301

▪ An example of an argumentative thesis: “Training police to work against implicit

biases in regards to how they treat minority groups would help prevent violence

against persons of color & make for a more open & trusting society.”

• Body: multiple paragraphs that cover your main points, including research & counterarguments,

etc. You’ll want at least one paragraph for each of the points in the assignment description, but

likely you’ll have more than one.

o Establish the Topic: Specify the minority group, adding context as needed, such as how

membership in this minority group is done (birth, marriage, etc.). o Identify the Problem: briefly explain the problem, issue, or oppression/hurdle you wish

to address & how it causes a problem for the minority group in question.

o Offer a Solution: Present your solution for the problem you’ve identified. This may be

the formation of legislation or social groups; it might be offering trainings; etc.. Be thorough in your explanation of the solution & explain how it would solve the problem

you’ve identified.

o Why it Matters: Persuade your audience why it is important that the problem is solved & why your solution is the best, most effective, most ethical, etc. solution to the topic

being discussed.

• Research: you’ll integrate your sources throughout the paper, but the majority of them will likely

come in the body paragraphs. o Sources should be fully integrated – each source is introduced & given context; each

quote is sandwiched between a lead-in statement & a following discussion; each

source/quote is cited using MLA in-text citation. o Sources may be used to support or offer a counterpoint to your argument, or provide

background information

o In-text Citations: Each source used in the essay needs to have at least one quotation or paraphrase done as a properly formatted in-text citation within the text of the essay

(meaning you’ll have at least 4 in-text citations in the essay).

• Conclusion: wraps up your points and ends the discussion without merely repeating or

summarizing the thesis/essay. o Conclusions are often places to address the “So what?” factor – an explanation of why we

should care about the argument. This would be a good place to include a discussion of

why it’s important to American as a whole that the issue be addressed & not just for the minority group.

• Properly formatted Works Cited/Reference page: Cite the sources quoted in the essay in

MLA format.

Suggestions/Hints:

• Please try for specific information/detail

• Use precise language – eliminate vague phrasing or words

• Be as clear & concise as possible

• Allow your ideas & opinions to take center stage – remember that your answer & understanding

is your own. Don’t just recite sources – use them to make your arguments better.

• Use your own ideas/understanding, but be careful not to go off on a rant – your thoughts &

opinions are valuable, but they need to be supported by sources & solid argument/analysis.

Grade: Worth 25% of the semester grade

Please contact me about any questions you have about any part of the assignment!