Assignment

This essay is to demonstrate to your professor an understanding of some aspects of US culture based on course readings, key concepts learned in class, and your own experiences. The topic of Essay 1 is limited to race, ethnicity, or class. You can choose one out of these three topics.

Students should include careful detailed descriptions of the relevant situation where they encounter the cultural phenomena related to race, ethnicity, or class. Students should demonstrate in their own words their understandings about the relevant key concepts. The essay should demonstrate what you have learned in class in order to make a point.

Students are encouraged to discuss the cultural phenomena and come up with an argument by analyzing this aspect of US culture in comparison with their native culture. Students are encouraged to integrate their observations and findings from class activities or conversations with American students.

Essays should fit onto two pages unless there is a good and compelling reason to go to a third page (e.g. inclusion of photographs, or the need to carefully describe in detail a particular event in order to make a point).

Here is a guide for writing this essay:

Introduction:

1. Describe the situation where you encounter the cultural phenomena.

2. Summarize your understanding of this cultural phenomenon as introduction.

3. Analysis and making a point:

Describe how it is different from your native culture. What does your cultural background lead you to expect and what was different? Describe what questions this cultural difference raise for you and why. In your analysis, show an understanding of any relevant key concepts.

3. Summarize what you have learned from your analysis and make it into a conclusion.

4. Revise

1.Go through your paper from start to finish and make sure it reads smoothly.
2. Make any changes you need to improve its readability.