English essay

English 215/Fall 2015

Essay II: Multiculturalism or Assimilation

The United States is often called “a land of immigrants,” meaning that, unless we are Native American, all of us have our cultural and ethnic roots in some other part of the world.

Respond in a well-developed, well-organized, and clearly focused essay, using the readings and videos of Unit II as your support:

I. When asked about his views on immigrants, Jeb Bush, Republican presidential candidate says, “The immigrant experience adds a ‘vitality that is different and unique and extraordinary for our country.’"

In the same speech he asserts, “We should not have a multicultural society . . . . America is so much better than every other country because of the values that people share -- it defines our national identity. Not race or ethnicity, not where you come from” (2015).

Essay prompt: Paraphrase the views of Governor Bush and define his idea of “multiculturalism.” Then respond to him with your views on the topic.

Support/illustrate your position using examples and ideas from the assigned readings and films. While most of your support should come from these texts, you may use one personal example if it is relevant to the point you are making, but it should be limited to one paragraph.

Note: No outside sources are allowed in this paper.

Unit II Class Materials:

1. “Of Cholos and Surfers” – Jack Lopez

2. “Iranian Women and Gender Relations in Los Angeles” – Nayereh Tohidi

3. “Kelly Loves Tony” – Spencer Nagasako, Filmmaker

4. “My Life as an Undocumented Immigrant” – Jose Antonio Vargas

5. Interviews with Jose Vargas

6. “Children of Immigrants” – NY Times

7. “Assimilation and Ethnic Identity” – C.N. Lei

8. “Hmong Americans” – Mark Phiepher

9. “The Chinese Kitchen Network” –Lauren Hilgers

10. “How Mexicans Become Americans” – Sam Quinones

11. “Jeb Bush Weighs in on Multiculturalism”

Criteria for success:

· Focus your essay on a thesis that clearly states your position/thesis/point of view on one of the essay questions. Papers that are off-topic will receive a grade of NC, with no option to revise.

· Develop your position on the topic with clear explanations and support your ideas with effective evidence synthesized from at least four of the sources . Your use of the texts should be substantial, not just one quote or example per article.

· A mere summary of the articles or film does not answer the requirements of the essay assignment. Your own thoughtful explanation & analysis is crucial for a successful essay.

· Organize your ideas so your reader can follow your logic. Write focused paragraphs and use effective transitions.

· Paraphrase most of the evidence that you use in your essay. You may also include some effective, well-chosen quotes; however, do not use more than four quotations in your essay. No quote should be more than two lines long.

· Cite all paraphrases and quotations using APA format and include an APA list of references.

· Format & Length: Approximately 4 - 5 pp, plus reference page. Use 12-point font, double-space and leave one inch margins. Please number your pages.

IMPORTANT NOTES

· You may only use the sources listed above.

· Plagiarized work on any drafts, including getting too much help with proofreading, will result in an essay grade of No Credit.

· You must submit your final draft to Turnitin by the final due date.

· You must turn in all drafts (including a proofreading draft), as well as tutoring and conferencing notes in a flat, two-pocket folder.