|
The Basics:
Length: 4-5 typed pages, 12-point font, 1 inch margins, double-spaced
(no cover page or binder necessary)
Due: Draft to be workshopped in class on [date] (Final draft due
in class on [date])
Purpose:
In class we have been discussing how space reflects our social conditions
and produces particular behaviors in people. We have also discussed
controversies that emerge because of social controls in space/place.
For example, Cisneros' painting her house purple was one such controversy.
In this paper I want you to ANALYZE a controversy about a space/place.
This paper will give you the opportunity to put into practice your own
skills at analysis and mapping a controversy. Remember, the stakes
go up for this paper.
Topic:
For this paper, discuss how individuals or groups might have a public
conflict about space or place. The section on painting a house purple
might be a good example here. Other possible topics include the
decision over what to do with Ground Zero, the development of the Muhammad
Ali Center, Historic Preservation Districts, arguments over how a website
should be used, controversies about how Mall space should be organized,
etc.
Remember, this should be a CONTROVERSY so there should be at least two
major positions (if not more) in the issue. This paper should map
out the major issues within the controversy and the arguments being
used. Explain what rhetorical tools each of the major players
are using and how those tools might be advantageous or disadvantageous.
Additionally, how does this issue have resonance for our class?
Or more specifically, how does this fit or inform us about the unit we
have been studying?
Organization:
Your paper may be organized many ways. It is important that
you try not to cover everything discussed above, but instead focus on
what is important for what you want to argue about this controversy.
A sample organization pattern MIGHT be:
Introduction: Contains thesis and preview and attracts attention
to your topic.
Thesis: The debates about what to do with Ground Zero indicate
that remembrance is of utmost importance; however this remembrance must
be understood as a remembrance that emphasizes efficiency or ‘getting
back to normal.’
Preview: While there is no ultimate decision about what
to do with Ground Zero by looking at the themes of the plans for development,
the arguments used by the legislators in New York, and the issues that
arise from these arguments, we can see that this is a controversy about
memory.
Body:
Main Point One: an exploration of the different plans
for development and what they want.
Main Point Two: a discussion of what arguments Mayor Bloomberg and
others are using to advocate particular development that ‘gets back
to normal.’
Main Point Three: a synthesis of the issues that come out and what
that means for remembrance.
Conclusion: Summarizes your arguments, restates your thesis and provides
a nice transition out of the paper.
Research:
In order to write this paper well, you will need at least FIVE outside
sources that describe what is going on with this controversy. These
may be magazine or newspaper articles, perhaps even books. You may
also need documents that would visually depict the plans for a particular
space (perhaps not). But all of these documents should be cited
in a bibliography that strictly follows the rules in your grammar book.
Good luck & please come see me if you have any questions!
|
