University essay

Paper One (Reading a Building or Public Space as a Text)

This assignment will address the basics of rhetoric (as discussed in Chapters 1 and 2 of The Academic Writer) and draw interest in part from additional assigned readings in our online database.

The Game Plan

1. Provide a working thesis statement and turn it in as Paper One Prep via Blackboard by Monday, January 29 at 11:59 p.m.

2. Participate in the in-class peer editing session on Thursday, February 1 (or coordinate an online review if you have to miss class that day).  

3. Using feedback from the prep assignment and your own further reflection on your topic, complete and turn it your paper as Paper One First Attempt via Blackboard by Monday, February 5 at 11:59 p.m.

Essentials

1. You must have an introduction that establishes your voice, engages your audience, and includes a thesis that identifies the “author” of the building or public space, its audience, and its purpose.

2. The thesis must be organized either around three features leading to one overarching purpose, or three specific purposes which you’ll support in the body paragraphs by identifying features.

Example of a thesis identifying features –

The Dallas Cowboys are demonstrating, through AT&T Stadium’s modern architecture, fan-friendly components, and uses of technology, that the organization wants their fans to have the greatest experience in the NFL.

Example of a thesis identifying purposes –

The Texas State Capitol uses a number of historical and new features to give Texans a sense of state pride, to showcase how open and efficient its government is, and to give out-of-state visitors history and information about Texas.  

3. The paper must have three body paragraphs, discussing each of the features or each of the purposes you’ve identified in the thesis.

4. The paper must include a conclusion paragraph that employs one of the recommended strategies for conclusions we’ll discuss in our Week 2 in-class presentation. 

Format

The paper should contain five paragraphs (apx. 200-250 words for each):

I. Intro Paragraph

II. Body Paragraph discussing Purpose/Function #1

III. Body Paragraph discussing Purpose/Function #2

IV. Body Paragraph discussing Purpose/Function #3

V. Conclusion Paragraph

The last page of your paper should be your Works Cited page. 

Sources

You are not required to use sources for this paper, but should you choose to do so, make sure to properly document them using MLA formatting.