Closely read/re-read and analyze the article, “Ethnic Studies in California” by Miriam Pawel. (Make notes on the essay about the author’s key points, types of evidence presented, credibility of sources, any counterarguments and rebuttals, etc..). Article link is available here: https://www.educationnext.org/ethnic-studies-california-unsteady-jump-from-college-campuses-to-k-12-classrooms/
2. Focus on the essay topic:
Write an essay that argues your position or viewpoint on instituting an ethnic studies course requirement in California public high schools, which was recently legislated under Assembly Bill 101.
Read and use several research sources in developing your argument on this topic. Structure your essay by focusing on a specific sub-topic to discuss in each body paragraph to support your argument. For example, you may choose to focus on some of these sub-topics: the objectives of an ethnic studies course, effect on racial/ethnic relations, student achievement outcomes, a mandated course vs. an elective course option, fair representation of the racial/ethnic groups to be included in the model course curriculum, the desired criterion/qualifications for faculty who would be teaching it, etc.)
3. Write your essay intended for a general audience that presumably may have very limited knowledge or awareness of the topic/issue. With that in mind, open your introduction with an engaging hook, introduce the topic/issue and its relevance, include some brief summary/background information, and state your thesis (your argumentative stance) on whether you agree or disagree with the ethnic studies high school graduation requirement for California.
4. Make sure you write an arguable and clear thesis statement, which you will justify and prove in your body paragraphs. Begin each body paragraph with a focused topic sentence (that identifies your paragraph’s main point about a specific sub-topic) and provide as well as analyze the supporting evidence you have selected from your research sources. Your body paragraphs should include the following:
A. (1 paragraph) one supporting argument: provide a detailed explanation of your first reason/sub-topic to support your thesis/claim, at least 2 key pieces of direct evidence, the sources, and your persuasive analysis
B. (1 paragraph) another supporting argument: provide a detailed explanation of a second reason/sub-topic to support your thesis/claim, at least 2 key pieces of direct evidence, the sources, and your persuasive analysis
(1 paragraph) one counterargument (opposing argument): provide a summary/description of the opposing viewpoint’s main reason for disagreement with your position, explain the context for its perspective, a key piece of their evidence, and source
C. (1 paragraph) a rebuttal argument: provide an argument that directly refutes or weakens the previous counterargument (i.e., argues against its flaws or weaknesses with the counterargument itself, its stated key evidence, and/or its source’s credibility) and persuasively explains its flaw(s). Your rebuttal should also include rebuttal evidence and source of your own.
5. For essay research, you are encouraged to use Miriam Pawel’s article, “Ethnic Studies in California,” in addition to three or more required research sources of your own, such as, websites (or web articles), RHC Library online database articles (e.g., Proquest, Opposing Viewpoints, SIRS, etc.), print newspaper articles, etc.
6. Conclude with a restatement of your thesis and a strong commentary (such as the wider implications of the issue, speculation about future impact, call to action). You may also choose to include an additional memorable closing device (e.g., a relevant quotation, a response to an earlier question, a related anecdote or story).
7. The essay and Works Cited should be at least 4-5 pages total (in MLA essay format). And give your essay an original title.
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