Considering Forms of Resistance and Active Citizenship

Essay 2

“But they seem to know where they are going, the ones who walk away from Omelas.” – Ursula Le Guin, “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas”

 

Project 2 Schedule

Purpose:

This essay asks you to consider the readings in terms of forms of resistance, protest, and/or evolving self-definition.  I have chosen these essays because I believe they speak to a range of possibilities in defining “active citizenship,” from the stark example of communal happiness at the plight of an individual in “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” to the persuasive protest language of “Letter from Birmingham Jail.”  While the details for this assignment follow below, the main purpose of this paper is to familiarize yourself with these modes of resistance and apply them to a current example of your own choosing.  This type of analysis and application will allow for synthesis of the qualities for active citizenship you find most applicable in these situations.  

 

Preparation and Research:

The readings for this unit (as indicated on the schedule) are: Thoreau’s “Civil Disobedience,” King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” Le Guin’s “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas,” Williams’ “The Clan of One-Breasted Women” and Curtis White’s “The Spirit of Disobedience.”  For your essay you will choose one essay to explore the language that the writer employs to demonstrate his/her form of resistance or protest.  In addition, you will apply the essay’s message(s) of “active citizenship” to your choice of issues.  Research for this part of the paper means that you will need to visit the library (we will visit as a class as well) to look at books, newspaper articles, magazine articles or journal articles about the examples you are exploring.  For this paper, websites and popular media should not be sources.  You need at least 2 sources beyond the reading. 

 

Further Details:

As the description above suggests, this essay has three major components.  One component involves rhetorical analysis of one essay.  The purpose of this analysis is to explain the writer’s form or resistance or method of active citizenship through his/her use of language.  We will discuss rhetorical analysis in class and you may expect further handouts or descriptions.  Another component of this paper is to apply each essay’s method of active citizenship to a current topic.  Choose an applicable yet original example to study!  An example (of an example!) could be local; for example, there has been much discussion recently about the lack of diversity on UK’s campus.  How might the writer you choose approach this topic through what you learn in the reading?  Or your example(s) could be of national interest – is there some aspect of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina that would warrant a response from your writer (through you, of course)?  The third component of this paper asks you to pause and reflect on the meaning of active citizenship – where do you stand?  This reflection may very well take you beyond the reading and current topic. 

 

Assignment

Due Date

Essay 2 proposal

6.27

Peer Review for Essay 2 and Workshops

6.29

Essay 2 due

7.5

 


The formatting guidelines for this paper include following MLA guidelines for citations, a minimum of five full pages, double-spaced, typed, ‘normal’ margins (1” – 1.25”), TNR font, and a header.  The header should include your name, my name, class and section #, and the date.  The upper right corner of the header should include your last name and page #.  Remember to also include your title and a Works Cited.  As usual, we will discuss these guidelines in class and add onto our knowledge of citation methods.

 

In addition to the “grading criteria” located in Writing at UK, the following may help as you work from the draft stage to the final copy stage.

 

Content/Organization

Is your introduction effective—does it grab my attention?

Do you have a clear thesis with a specific focus and argument?

Do your paragraphs address and develop your thesis?

Are your transitions effective between paragraphs and sentences?

Do you come up with effective examples to support your points?

Do you utilize topic sentences?

Do you stay focused?

If applicable, do you address another point of view?

Does your conclusion answer the question, “so what?”

Does your paper as a whole show a thoughtful analysis of the assigned topic?

 

Style/Mechanics

Is your style appropriate for your audience?

Are your sentences varied in length and structure?

Do you write with active, vigorous verbs?

Are your ideas clearly expressed through refined word choices and syntax?

When occasion merits, do you write descriptively with concrete images?

Do you try to use metaphor and simile to enhance your points?

 

Mechanics/Conventions

Is your paper spell-checked?

Is your paper free from reoccurring grammatical errors?

Do you cite your sources correctly (both in-text and on a works cited page)?

Does your paper have a title?

Do you place your last name and page number on the upper right margin of each page?