Fall 2007: English 155-16025

Professor A. Gonzales

Essay #3 Assignment - Freakonomics!

Purpose:

The purpose of this assignment is to formulate a clear, argumentative thesis statement, and develop support for it in an essay that utilizes academic research. You will learn and practice the following research skills: analyzing a text, finding and evaluating sources, citing sources, effectively incorporating paraphrase and/or quotes, and using the library databases.

Writing Task:

After reading and discussing Levitt and Dubner’s work, you will combine what you have read along with at least 3 other outside sources to develop a 4-6 page typed, and double-spaced (12 pt. TNR or 11 pt. Arial font and 1” margins in MLA format) paper that addresses ONE of the following questions:

1.  Freakonomics argues that morality represents the way we'd like the world to work, whereas economics can show how the world really does work. To what extent do you agree with this? Explain using examples and support.
2.  Does the recognition of differences create an "us and them" mentality, or does it help maintain a fair society? Narrow your topic of differences to something specific, like: ethnicity, religion, culture, politics, socioeconomic status, geography, gender, sexual preference, appearance, etc. Use examples from Freakonomics and other sources to support your position.
3.  Levitt and Dubner repeatedly point out that "Humans respond to incentives.” Write an essay in which you explore the power of incentives by:
a.  Analyzing one or two of the ideas/conclusions Levitt reaches in Freakonomics.
b.  Showing examples of how incentives work in your world.

This is not a report-where you collect and then report information. Instead, you will develop and argue a debatable position on your selected topic. You will not turn in a paper that pieces or strings together other people’s ideas. Instead, you will support a thesis statement and use sources to back up your ideas. You paper should contain a counter-argument. Consider that someone will not agree with your position; address their side and make sure to refute it with the information and ideas you bring.

Sources/Works Cited:

·  A Works Cited page is required for draft #2 and the final. It does not count as one of the 4-6 pages.

·  Wikipedia, dictionary.com (or other dictionary/encyclopedia websites), and websites of quotes are not considered sources. You may use them if they will help your paper, but they do not count towards the 3+ sources required.

DUE DATES:

*Draft 1 (1 pg. showing your tentative thesis, brief outline, or notes): Thursday, Nov. 8

*Draft 2 (3+ pages, plus Works Cited page): BRING 2 COPIES Tuesday, Nov. 13

*FINAL draft (4+ pages, works cited & LRC visit): Tuesday, Nov. 20

Make sure you have gone to the LRC for your required visit no later than December 4th.
This essay is worth a total of 200 points – 175 points for the essay and 25 points for the LRC visit.