Write an essay in which you define the community that you are a part of and describe your role in it. You might think of this assignment as profile or description of your community and your role in it. You are not required to do outside research for this assignment, but you may, and you must use some of the reading materials from class (at least 3 quotes from the articles we read or articles that you find on your own). However, this community description should primarily be based on your observations, your experiences, your memories, and your knowledge. Outside information and quotes should be used to supplement or support what you write. (And, looking ahead, consider what information your reader would need to know about this community to to read a researched history about it or hear a proposal to redesign it).
Introduction. Creative hook. Define terms (How are you defining community?) Provide a brief overview of your essay and the college or community that you have chosen to investigate, for example: your observations of it, its history, significant events or characteristics, prominent people, a short description of the members, its strengths and weaknesses, and what your role in it is, and a thesis statement that clearly defines the community and its current relevance, significance, or situation is.
Your Observations of the College or Community. Talk to people. Look around. Explore your memories. If you choose to, identify and read articles, online archive documents, college or community websites, social media sites associated with the college or area, and/or a book on your college or community. How do you define it? What are the similarities and differences between how others view it any how you view it? You might address questions such as how is the college or community defined by other people? What are its most noticeable characteristics? Is it changing? Present your findings here.
History of the College or Community. Based on what you know, describe anything significant about the area’s history, its reputation, the stereotypes, the reality… consider anything you know about its founding or any significant events in its history that you are aware of. What makes it special or unique, in your opinion? Think this section as a mini-history lesson or an introduction to the location for someone completely unfamiliar with its history or reputation.
Demographics Profile. Each college or community appeals to a different group of people and requires different resources. This section requires you to write a general profile of the individuals living in or using the college or community. What types of people are included? What do they do? How do they get along? Is the community undergoing any sort of change?
Assets, Resources, Opportunities, Problems. Based on your observations, what do you see as the strengths, weaknesses, advantages and disadvantages of the college or community and its people? What’s good and bad about it or the people who are a part of it? Where is there room for improvement? What are its assets?
Personal Reflections. Where do you fit in? Given all that you have reported so far, reflect on the value (or lack thereof) of being a part of the community you have observed. Using your class journals, observations, conversations, and any other useful materials, describe what your role in the community or at the college you are writing about is. Do you fit in? How? Do you have “roots” there? Are you an outsider or newcomer?
Final Analysis. This final section is an analysis of your college or community in which you examine its important aspects. Develop an argument in which you describe what best defines the community: What does it stand for? What legacy has it left behind (or what does it do today)? What distinguishes it from other, similar areas? What sorts of activities does it promote? Include what you think the current relevance of the area is, if any.
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