AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES COURSE:

AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES COURSE:
Write a four-page essay (double-spaced, one inch margin, minimum 1,000 words, maximum
1,050 words) of which you make an argument using four sources (examples: current events –
newspapers and current periodicals, scholarly journal articles, textbook (Kendi), or class articles.
Do not use any sources used for the midterm assignment.
Note:
a. You must incorporate a minimum of two sources from articles or books outside of
class material. However, you can use four outside sources if you would like. Videos
outside of the course material are not encouraged but may be used with pre-approval.
b. All four sources should support each other and therefore support your argument.
c. IF you are unsure whether your four chosen sources support your argument, please
reach out to me by May 13th by email or to request a quick Zoom session. I will try get
back to you within (1) business day. Making sure your resources support your
argument is important to your grade.
To complete this assignment, you will need to:
1. Choose four texts that especially interest you (two must be from outside of class materials)
2. Formulate your thesis. Decide whether you will emphasize the similarity of the two texts
chosen or the differences. A comparison/contrast essay typically begins by acknowledging what
it does not seek to emphasize. For example, if you are going to argue the similarities of two
topics, you might begin by noting the differences. Starting from this point of contrast, you
could then observe that despite their seeming differences, they in fact have very similar
ideologies. Conversely, if you will mainly emphasize the contrasts or differences of the two
topics, you should start off by noting certain basic similarities.
3. Draft an introduction in which you set up your argument and start gathering textual
evidence to support it. Find the specific phrases or passages that will help you to make your
comparison or contrast clear and convincing. Quotes can be powerful and relevant, however if
you provide a quote, think of how you can interpret and reflect upon it effectively. Further,
resist the urge to provide too many quotes.
4. Draft the main part of your essay. Once you’ve set up your comparison or contrast with an
introduction, the main body of your essay can be handled in one of two ways:
a. Discuss each text one at a time: Discuss the first text, making your case with a few main
points that synthesize your argument. Then move on to the second text, addressing the
same main points.
b. Compare/Contrast the discussion of the two texts: Take each main point of comparison
or contrast in turn i.e. addressing how each text is similar or different before moving on
to the next point.
Either of these basic structures is fine but be sure to follow one or the other.
5. Draft a conclusion. Try not to simply rehash what you’ve already said. Take your thinking a
step further. Use the final paragraph or so to suggest a larger implication of your argument.
6. Edit the essay: Proofread it for typos and other errors. Read/check for clarity and transition
words (Grammar-check tools wont pick up everything);
7. Cite references: Cite references within the essay and on a separate page at the end of your
essay. Please review the attached if you have questions on citations.

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