Essay #3: A Dream for All
Make an argument, supported by academic research, for what the United States needs to do—as a society, as a government, and as individuals—to make the opportunity to achieve the American Dream a reality for everyone in the country (If you do not believe the opportunity to achieve the American Dream can be made a reality for everyone, then your argument should be about why that is the case).
In making your argument, be sure to consider the various definitions of the American Dream we have discussed throughout the semester, various aspects of equality, and various theoretical perspectives (like the psychoanalytical perspective of Civilization and Its Discontents and the Marxist perspective of The Communist Manifesto).
Consider these questions: In what ways is the American Dream not a reality for everyone in the country today? For whom is it not a reality? What are the reasons those inequalities exist? What are some social, political, and economic solutions to the barriers of the American Dream for these groups of people? What effects, positive and negative, might these solutions raise?
This is a research paper, so while you are making an argument, you are doing so after having done the research, collecting information and insights from the experts in the particularly relevant fields. That means, you might start with a research question—like: What inequalities are barriers to social and economic freedom? From there, a first wave of research should lead you to a preliminary answer (a hypothesis). Then, as you begin to construct the essay and dig deeper into the research to develop individual points, you might find that your thesis evolves into something different. That is a good sign. It will show that you are truly making your argument based on the research and not just cherry-picking research that fits your original argument. Ultimately, your final thesis should be complex and nuanced, revealing a deeper understanding of the topic than you had before beginning the assignment.
Essay should be 7-10 double-spaced pages in MLA format. You must use, in the body of your essay, at least six different outside academic sources in addition to Civilization and Its Discontents and The Communist Manifesto
Should have a title that states topic and hints at thesis.
Introduction should begin with 3-5 sentences introducing the topic of the American Dream and its (lack of) accessibility.
A thesis statement should end the introduction making an analytical argument—that is detailed, developed, and dynamic—that shows a college-level engagement.
Body paragraphs should begin with clearly articulated topic sentences that develop individual points helping to support your overall thesis.
Evidence should support or illustrate your individual points using quotes, paraphrase, and/or summary from outside sources (two could be essays from the book).
Conclusion should bring these individual points back to the overall thesis and make it clear what the implications are for society in the near future.
Essays should follow MLA style and format (see Hacker or look it up online): typed, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, with 1” margins all around. One point will be docked for each of these requirements that are not met. One LETTER GRADE will be docked for missed deadlines. Late papers will receive a grade but limited comments.