Due Date:
Introduction:
Using the prospectus assignment as a guide, students can now write a longer paper. This assignment can expand on the prospectus’ thesis (or revise the thesis), give more details on the supporting evidence outlined in the prospectus, and use the research articles (or different articles) as further support for the thesis.
- Additionally, as mentioned in the prospectus assignment’s introduction, students should look to how Keller’s book structures an argument: his thesis, premises, counterarguments, refutations, and concessions. Students can take his book as a starting point and offer additional information on the effects of punishment and rehabilitation in the U.S.
Importantly, students can use the tools learned so far in this course on how arguments are constructed to write an original essay that uses all or some of the key terms found in the modules. I have kept the modules open if you need to refer back to the key terms.
Assignment Objectives:
Students will be able to demonstrate the writing of a valid thesis, supporting evidence, and researched evidence to include in an essay.
Students also will demonstrate the use of MLA citation practices.
Connection to module objectives:
Demonstrate compositional skills related to a line of inquiry with a unifying thesis and supporting evidence.
Steps:
- Using a Microsoft or Google doc, write a 1500-1800-word essay on the following prompt:
- Within each of Keller’s chapters, the author offers an overabundance of premises supporting his assertions on the state of the prison and jail system, as well the overarching ideology of punishment and rehabilitation. Using primarily Keller’s book and appropriate secondary research articles, present a focused essay that expands on a portion of the author’s argument. Additionally, students also can offer an essay disputing Keller’s assessment of the prison and jail system, and his take on the nature of crime and punishment.