Select a central concept (theme) that is important to the nature of being human.
Some ideas include citizenship, rights and responsibilities, consumerism, work ethic, grief, earth stewardship, courtship, marriage, coming-of-age rituals, class, race, gender, education, home, elder care, childbirth, child-rearing, sports, pets, criminal justice, food and meal-sharing, entertainment, funeral practices, religious/ spiritual practices, the arts, vacations, leisure time, hobbies, or another theme approved by instructor.
Show how your theme manifests itself in three different cultures.
Use three historical periods or three contemporary cultures. For example, you might choose to explore courtship in 15th-century Italy, 18th-century England, and 20th-century South Africa. Alternatively, you could consider a theme within three contemporary cultures (for example, funeral practices in Canada, Egypt, and Mexico today).
Locate and quote directly from at least three credible secondary sources (journal articles, etc.). Including relevant primary source material is certainly welcome but optional. Weave in quoted passages smoothly and document information correctly.
Conclude with your “Why should my reader care about this?” response to the chosen theme. Address these questions: Why does this topic matter on both an individual and global level? What can/ should we learn by taking a closer look at this topic?
Your written topic proposal (5%) will be due prior to final paper submission. It should offer a one-page, double-spaced description of your theme and at least one secondary source you plan to use.
SPECIFIC GUIDELINES
• Your paper should be 4-5 pages in length (not including Works Cited page), double-spaced, 12-point font.
• Create a solid thesis statement, organize topics, and synthesize your ideas with source material.
• Revise with usage, clarity, and cohesion in mind. Ideally, read your work aloud to “hear” language.
• Use MLA (8th ed.) style for citing at least three credible secondary sources.
• Start with the A-B Tech Library databases as you conduct research: Locke Library.
• Check in with an A-B Tech Writing Center consultant (optional): Writing Center.
