Racism
Order Description
Multiple Source Essay
Due: Due into BlackBoard no later than 11:59pm on the date indicated in the course
Length: About 1000-1500 words (approx 3-4 pages).
Format: Double spaced, 12-pt. common font. MLA citation format. You should include a works
cited page with the two sources listed on it.
Assignment
For this assignment, you will write a short paper in which you discuss two academic articles that
are discussing the same topic or idea. You will use the two sources to help yourself say
something about the topic or idea, largely by agreeing with what one or the other article has to
say on the issue. In this way, this paper will be your way of making sense of the idea or topic you
are reading about and evaluating and prioritizing some sources.
Approach
First, you will need to locate one or two articles you would like to write with. To do this,
choose one that presents an idea or topic you are working with. Then, choose another that,
perhaps, discusses the topic in a similar way or in a different way. Note: the articles do not
need to be opposites or arguing with one another. They can be in agreement. The only
requirement be that they be on the same topic or idea.
Next, you will need to craft a thesis that establishes the relationship between the sources
and what you are going to say about them. This should establish how you are going to
write about the two sources, as well as indicate what you are going to say as a result of
bringing the sources together.
Then you will craft your paper. You will need to summarize and then quote each source as
you work, making specific reference to the sources as you write about them. While the
summary and detailing of a specific point or two will take up much of your paper, you will
also need to, likely as part of the end of the paper, arrive at your own conclusions about the
sources and the topic or issue.
The paper
The paper should include the following:
An introduction where you contextualize the broader issue both articles are discussing,
introduce the two articles you are using, and present a thesis that summarizes the
connections you are going to make between the articles.
Body Paragraphs (the number will vary) in which you discuss what each of the two
articles has to say about the issue at hand. You can discuss the articles one at a time, or
go back and forth for different points, as you see fit. In the paragraph, however, you
should include quotes and paraphrases of ideas and points from the articles as support
for what you are saying.
A conclusion in which you briefly summarize the differences between the two sources,
and then in which you offer sense of which source is more valid or presents a more
compelling take on the issue. Here, you will be offering your evaluation of the sources.
Some Comments
Choose articles that surround the idea or topic you have been working with through. This
paper will help you to continue to think through these ideas and what you have to say.
Don’t worry about how this may or may not lead to the final paper.
Start early. Give yourself time to think, write, think some more, and then rewrite.