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ENGL 1101 - Harris: Assignment

Assignment

Writing Assignment #3: Argument / Research

Essay Assignment:
For this assignment, you will write a 2,000-word (minimum) argumentative/persuasive essay that counters or extends (an) idea(s) presented in one of Eula Biss’ essays in Notes from No Man’s Land. The purpose of this assignment (in addition to the objectives cited above) is to produce a thoughtful, thorough discussion of Biss’ ideas against/alongside your own. 

Your goal is not to convince your audience, but to engage them in a well-supported dialogue/discussion. The audience for this assignment includes your peers (in and outside of the Augusta University community)—not society as a whole.

Some hypothetical topics . . .

  • What is the current state of “passing” in 21st century America?
  • How can the state of religion (or lack thereof) in modern America be defined?
  • How can the University prevent further bullying incidents like the anti-LBGT chalking that occurred earlier?              
  • To what extent are racial tensions an issue in this University community? In the Augusta community?                        
  • In what ways are cell phones like the telephone poles Biss writes about and what does the abuse of technology mean for America's future? 

Your sources for this assignment include Biss and any sources she acknowledges in her book. You may conduct some independent research for this assignment; however, your total number of sources should not exceed (5) scholarly sources (mandatory) and/or Popular sources (optional). Reese Library’s website should become familiar to you.