You will then have a heading that says “First position” and here you will lay out one position on the issue you have selected. You will say, this author supports this position, OR more than likely you have more than one author who supports the same position. You will then say these authors support this particular position. Explain in detail what this author or these authors say. What position do they take and why? What do they think their position will achieve or why do they think their position is the correct one on the issue. You don’t have to agree, you simply have to state what arguments they make. You can disagree later when you state your position.
Your next main heading will say “Second position” and here you will identify another position on the same issue. Here you will identify the author or authors who have this other perspective. You will do the same as you did when you discussed the first position. You will tell us what arguments these authors make. If you have more than one author in this category, feel free to explain if they have slightly different ideas but ultimately arrive at the same place. More importantly, explain how this author or authors differ from those who take the first position.
Your third heading should be “My Position on the Issue” and here is where you will take a position on the issue. Here you may agree with one author or a particular group of authors. Alternatively, you may disagree with all of them and make your case that is quite different from any of the authors. The point is that you will take a position and explain yourself. Why did you take the position you did?
Your paper therefore should have the following headings:
1.) The issue you are discussing is arranged as a question (see the instructions above)
2.) Side #1 on the issue
3.) Side #2 on the issue
4.) My position on the issue
You may have additional headings because you may decide to discuss more than two sides to your issue but you must at a minimum have these 4 headings listed above. There should at a minimum be 4 sections in your final paper.
Your final paper will be a minimum of 7 pages. You will have 1-inch margins and the entire document must be double spaced. You are required to use 12 point Time New Roman or Book Antigua font. I am not too particular about the kind of font as long as it is easily legible. The font size is important however–it must be 12 point font. Follow basic APA guidelines for formatting your final paper.
Since this is a class on race, I expect that race will be an important aspect of your final argument.
