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Essay # 3: Critical Analysis and Argumentation.

Relevant readings:

The First Amendment of the Constitution

“Mob Rule on Campus” PP 622-25

“Speech Codes: Alive and Well at College Campuses” PP 632-37

Lawrence III, Charles. “The Debate over Placing Limits on Racist Speech. . .” PP 627-30

Rauch, Jonathan. “In Defense of Prejudice. . .” http://www.jonathanrauch.com/jrauch_articles/in_defense_of_prejudice/

Readings and sources in your chosen topic.

DIRECTIONS: Choose one of the following writing prompts and develop an essay.

PROMPT 1: Identify and clarify core issues raised in the contemporary offensive speech/freedom of expression debate. You may focus on what much of the above reading material focuses on--free speech in academia--or you can choose another focus such as artistic expression (art, literature, political cartoons, etc.). As part of your analysis, choose a position on the issue and defend it by both raising and countering objections. A few relevant readings for this topic are in our text--except Rauch’s article “In Defense of Prejudice” can be found and printed at the web address shown above. Finally, argue in favor of a position that you consider to be most valid and/or reasonable.

PROMPT 2: Topic: The American gun culture. As the result of your examination of arguments and claims in your chosen sources, argue for one of the following three propositions:

1. The United States needs more gun regulation

2. The United States needs less gun regulation

3. The United States needs no changes in gun regulation

Support for your argument should clearly and directly refer back to sources that you have examined and used in your essay. Use critical analysis, raising and countering objections, and citations to fortify your argument.

PROMPT 3: Write an essay that meets the key criteria below on any topic of your choosing. You may choose an issue treated in our text (see PP Chapter 13 “The Law and Society”) or you can choose another issue of interest you derive on your own. Since you cannot possibly discuss everything about a given subject, please hone in/focus on a particular aspect. To use prompt 1 as an example: Freedom of expression is very broad, but focusing on academia or art narrows the topic sufficiently so that it can more successfully be treated in your essay.

KEY CRITERIA:

1. Write an academic essay that exhibits your clear and thorough comprehension of different viewpoints of the controversy. Argue in favor of one side of the debate.

2. To develop your thesis and essay topics:

*Use 8-10 sources from which you quote, paraphrase, and summarize.

*At least four of your sources for this paper must be from databases you were

instructed about in the Library: ProQuest or CQResearcher or Opposing Viewpoints, for

example. Use MLA in-text

citation format.

*Include a Works Cited page that has all sources cited in your essay. Review PP Chapter 15

and relevant handouts demonstrating citation formats.

3. Write a focused, coherent, organized academic essay that meets all the criteria enumerated in the rubric located in canvas files.

4. In addition to citation requirements presented above, make sure that you support your thesis through critical analysis and synthesis.

Page length: 6 or 7 pages.

DUE: See the Weekly Agenda. No late papers will be accepted, no exceptions.