In this research paper, make your own argument, as these authors do, about some aspects of American identity or the American experience. You may focus on positive and/or less positive characteristics, you may measure known American ideals against real American struggles, you may fold together related issues, such as economics and education; incarceration, drug addiction, and homelessness; slavery, structural racism, and affirmative action; or many other combinations of American issues.
You are not limited in your scope or your focus. Only please, remember the following:
Do not rely on clichés like an over-emphasis on trite phrases like “melting pot” or “American Dream.”
Present complex and nuanced ideas; let them evolve and gain in significance as your essay develops.
Be sure your essay is cohesive and coherent; it should not feel like a piecemeal approach but rather a blending of related ideas.
Organize your essay by IDEAS, not by source. You should not simply summarize many sources. Make them talk to each other. Let your initial idea gain in complexity as your essay develops. Your conclusion should not merely restate your introduction. You have 15 pages—explore many related ideas.
Analyze and interrogate your sources; don’t just report on them.
Write something that matters and that interests you and your reader
Essays that do not significantly fill page 13 (not including the works cited list) and/or do not use the required type and number of research sources will be significantly penalized
