Cultural Insight and Argument

Background

Traditionally, the argument essay is considered the pinnacle of expository writing. That said, it should be obvious that we've been using various argumentative techniques--claims, reasoning, evidence, appeals--in all of our essays thus far.

This essay is designed to help you enter a public discourse, to react and contribute to a wider pool of understanding. T. S. Eliot's "Tradition and the Individual Talent" explores the relationship of writers with prior knowledge. Basically, Eliot states that writers write within a web-like framework of the canon, or the "great works of literature," and their own contribution changes the web--and all of the relationships between its elements--to a certain degree.

We can find a correlation here to what we're trying to do with our own writing. The world is full of various discourse (conversations) on any number of subjects. To take part in any discourse--whether it's criticism of South Park or commentary about the South Korean economy--we must first establish ourselves as members of that discourse community, by accepting the responsibilities of mature dialogue. Once we do so, through our own efforts, we can contribute to the discourse and influence knowledge and meaning.

Expository Writing Assignments that Work

Cultural Insight and Argument
(contributed by Darren Crovitz)
Background Traditionally, the argument essay is considered the pinnacle of expository writing. That said, it should be obvious that we've been using various argumentative techniques--claims, reasoning, evidence, appeals--in all of our essays thus far. This essay is designed to help you enter a public discourse, to react and contribute to a wider pool of understanding. T. S. Eliot's "Tradition and the Individual Talent" explores the relationship of writers with prior knowledge. Basically, Eliot states that writers write within a web-like framework of the canon, or the "great works of literature," and their own contribution changes the web--and all of the relationships between its elements--to a certain degree. We can find a correlation here to what we're trying to do with our own writing. The world is full of various discourse (conversations) on any number of subjects. To take part in any discourse--whether it's criticism of South Park or commentary about the South Korean economy--we must first establish ourselves as members of that discourse community, by accepting the responsibilities of mature dialogue. Once we do so, through our own efforts, we can contribute to the discourse and influence knowledge and meaning.
The Idea In this final essay, you will investigate a particular media/cultural phenomenon, and through inductive reasoning, make an informed judgment about what this phenomenon represents/shows/reveals about our society. This is a specific media-related topic, and your evaluation of what the phenomenon means in a larger social context. What's a cultural phenomenon? Well, any trend or fad; a particularly controversial or popular TV show, movie, or celebrity; a successful and recognized ad campaign; a social, political, or religious movement that relies on media for its message; an event; or any other such social curiosity.
The Process of the Writing this Essay… Reading and Research: You will need to provide the reader with a complete idea (think definition) of your particular focus, whether it's Eminem or Ebonics. Don't shortchange this section, especially if you're looking at a less-obvious phenomenon. Your readers need to be convinced that the actual concept exists before you can move on to what it means. Various Critical Views: In order to enter a discourse, you need to be aware of what others in the discourse are saying. Think of a cocktail party conversation; you wouldn't just barge in and start blabbering about what you think (unless you're drunk, but hopefully that won't be a problem here…). You’d first observe the dialogue (thus establishing what exactly is under discussion), the differing viewpoints and their reasoning (so you know who supports your ideas and who opposes them); then, you'd evaluate your own potential contribution (have you thought through the issue enough to have an *informed* insight to put forth?) In this essay, the reader needs to understand the prevailing social perspective about the phenomenon, before you offer your own interpretation. Develop an informed, balanced, supported, and reasonable assessment as to what the phenomenon reveals about some larger aspect of our culture or society. You might address some particular American value or characteristic the topic reveals--we'll discuss some of these qualities in class. This is the heart of this essay, and needs to be handled skillfully. Don't bite off more than you can chew, or make assertions that are difficult to support. The major thrust of your claim should make sense as a logical extension of your analysis of the phenomenon. That said, don't restrict yourself to just stating the obvious. Search for the special insight you can bring that reveals meaning. Remember: powerful insight, powerfully written. Be careful of the following: Over-generalization and stereotyping Unsupported Assertions Lack of connection between your major claim, and the reasoning and evidence Lack of evidence
Purpose To inform/educate the class about a particular media-related phenomenon To analyze the various perspectives on this issue To construct a sound inductive argument that reveals the larger social insight behind the phenomeno
The Presentation Along with the essay, you'll give a 15-minute media-enhanced presentation of your topic and your thesis. This should be conducted in a professional manner, i.e., you will plan out your points and guide us confidently through your topic and your insight.
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