Attend several meetings of the Duluth City Council (or another city board or commission http://www.duluthmn.gov/clerk/council/schedule.cfm). Focus on a controversial issue. If controversies — say, over the placement of cell phone antennae and raising taxes — are discussed, how many people representing what interests, attend and speak out? Do both issues attract the same proponents and opponents? How long have participants, representing various views, been vocal about the issues or issues? What costs, if any, have interested parties incurred (e.g. cash paid to retain lawyers, workdays missed to research issues family events unattended due to work on the issues)? What age, gender, work status, and race/ethnicity? What generalizations can you make concerning community power based on your attendance at these meetings?
2-3 pages (500 – 750 words)
— no need to put in a word count, Moodle automatically counts the words in assignments
At least one citation to the relevant texts we’re discussing in class
— This should be a DIRECT QUOTATION of at least one sentence
— The citation should be properly cited, following the APA citation guide (posted on the Moodle page). This means that the citation should be at the bottom of the assignment.
— The citation should be in bold or ALL CAPS
— As per the guide, you should INTRODUCE the quote and EXPLAIN why you used the citation in your paper
— The citation must be to a course reading — not a web page
What should I think about while writing my essay?
1. Focus on the course reading
Before writing your essay take another look at the reading for class. Don’t just answer the question, think about the relationship between the question and the reading for class.
2. Be organized
You are not writing in a diary, but sharing your analysis with me and the rest of the class. This means that you should write in a clear, concise, and cogent manner.
o Make a point–State what you have established as your theme and the pertinent information that surrounds the theme.
o Divide your essay into paragraphs–Give each major point its own space so that the reader will be able to understand and conceptualize the different components of your theme.
o Use topic sentences in paragraphs–These sentences should correspond with your major points and draw the attention of the reader.
o Avoid using slang or contractions.
3. Use key phrases
o Phrases such as “for example,” “as a result of,” “another idea that supports my view is,” “an opposite view is,” this would be different if, and “a different perspective is,” are all good transitional phrases that signal the introduction of specifics as well as shifts in the argument. These phrases also allow you to demonstrate critical thinking and pose questions about the reading in ways that your reader will understand.
Grading
— Thoughtful essays that are the correct length and include a properly cited quote will automatically receive 45 Points (check).
— Essays that show particular insight and /or extra effort will receive 50 points (check plus)
— Essays where the quote is in not in bold will be deducted 15 points
— Short essays will be deducted 15 point