Essay Assignment Objectives:
Write a cogent, well-developed argumentative essay that clearly supports a thesis with textual evidence.
Read critically by summarizing, analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating the reading(s) from A World of Ideas (the PDFs).
Select outside library sources to evaluate, interpret, and synthesize in the service of an argument.
Document sources using MLA format.
Use effective pre-writing, composing, and revising of the essay.
Essay Prompt:
Thomas Jefferson envisioned a government that allowed its citizens to exercise their rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Has Jefferson’s revolutionary vision been achieved in America today? Argue your “yes” or “no” to the question. Organize the body paragraphs on each “vision”: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, having at least 2 body paragraphs for each, using examples—drawn mainly from current events and, if needed, some American history—to take a clear and well-argued stand on whether the nation today (in 2022) has achieved Jefferson’s goal of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. In other words, have we achieved these 3 ideals? If so, show. If not, show.
Guidelines:
Rhetorical Approach: must present an argument, using the Classical structure (I will lecture on this, so view the video lecture).
Be sure to include an opposing viewpoint and rebuttal.
Primary voice is 3rd person (no personal experience or 2nd person).
Use at least 3 outside sources aside from the reading by Jefferson, and the sources must include the followings; Wikipedia is not allowed:
The reading, “The Declaration of Independence” by Thomas Jefferson (PDF version from class). You should heavily rely on the reading in your essay, not just in the introductory paragraph.
3 library sources from one of the LACC databases.
If a website is used, it must be credible, using the CAPOW method (See Canvas page on it.)
View my video lecture tutorial on how to search the LACC databases
The essay will be reviewed through the plagiarism software, Turnitin.com, which is linked into Canvas for this essay assignment. Any form of plagiarism will result in a 0/F grade for the paper. *The essay will not be graded. Be sure to cite all borrowed material (quoted and