Definition Essay (English)

Rethinking Slacktivism: Paper 1 Assignment

For this paper you will argue for a particular definition of slacktivism. You will support your definition with evidence and examples, and your final paper will be polished!

Explaining Your Definition of Slacktivism

Your definition of slacktivism will not be a single sentence. Instead, you will provide examples, apply readings from class, and incorporate your personal experience, resulting in a sophisticated and thought-provoking definition of slacktivism that lasts several pages (please do not include a Wikipedia or Urban Dictionary definition!).

As we talked and read about, the meaning of slacktivism is up for debate! So in defining slacktivism, you are making an argument. Use the strategies we’ve talked about:

1. Make arguments for your definition. Your definition needs to be defensible and interesting, and use the argument strategies from class.

2. Incorporate class readings. Use strategies discussed (summary, paraphrase, quotation analysis, etc.).

· Quote from Christensen –and remember that you can agree and disagree with him!

3. Give concrete examples. We have considered many examples and situations, asking what counts as slacktivism and what does not (for instance, we looked at Facebook and Twitter). You will need to provide three examples of slacktivism moments or events that fit or do not fit your definition of slacktivism. A good example is both interesting and original – avoid the obvious and examples already covered in class.

4. Incorporate your own views. Many of you will write passionate slacktivism essays in demonstrating your participation in an event or will make strong arguments in class. (This essay is not a personal response paper, so this should be only part of the paper, and may be folded in with your concrete examples, see #3.)

You are writing this paper for a general, academic audience. This means that you can’t assume that people have read the articles we read in class. This is where the summary skills you’ve worked on will come into play – introduce a source before using it.

What I’m Grading On

· Your ability to argue convincingly. The reader needs to be convinced by what you say, which means that you provide evidence and good examples. There should not be gaping holes in your definition.

· Your ability to incorporate course readings and ideas. This includes summarizing and quoting from class sources, as we’ve worked on in class.

· Your ability to incorporate concrete examples from your own life. We have worked on using your own experience in an academic way.

· Your ability to revise your work based on my feedback and peer review. Revise, read aloud, and rewrite!

· Your ability to meet the assignment requirements. So if you’re struggling, talk to me.

· Your definition must be at least four pages (to the bottom of the fourth page), and no longer than six pages. One inch margins, 12 point standard font, double-spaced, no extra spaces in document. · First draft is due Wednesday 2/12 at the beginning of class. Bring two copies to class. The late penalty applies starting at 12:35a, and email submissions are not acceptable. · Conferences will be Monday 2/17, Tuesday 2/18 and Wednesday 2/19. Required. We will not hold class on 2/19 in exchange for the conferences. · Final draft is due Wednesday, 2/26, again at the beginning of class.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why Are We Writing a Definition and Citing Class Readings? Throughout college, you will need to focus on a key concept and explain what it means. Most often, professors will want you to talk about this concept in the context of class readings and discussions. For instance, a final question on a history exam may ask you to rethink the concept of immigration given class readings and discussions. The ability to speak specifically and apply what you have learned is crucial.

What Kind of Examples Should I Provide? It is up to you to decide what examples work best depending on your definition. If your definition is fairly narrow, it might be most convincing to explain why certain kinds of slacktivism don’t count in your definition. And if your definition is wide, it might make sense to give interesting examples and argue why they are included in your definition.

What Kind of Definition Should I Write? There is no “right” definition. Take chances. The successful paper is one that draws people in and makes them think, “Hmmm, I don’t know if I agree, but that’s interesting and makes me think!” Of course, making a daring argument and not supporting it isn’t a good idea, so find an appropriate balance.

Where Do I Start? Deciding how to start is one of the challenges of this paper. You may begin with a personal story and then move into discussions of the readings for the course. Or, you may want to begin with an example, bring in course readings, and end more personally. Begin by brainstorming ideas to these questions:

· What are the problems and limitations of the definition I came up with in class?

· What is a moment in each of the readings I agreed with? What is a moment I disagreed with?

· What sorts of examples might I want to include or exclude from my definition?

· What personal experiences do I bring to my definition?