Sociology 214: Essay #2 – Race
First draft due March 19.
This class has presented two very different visions of residential segregation in America. Massey and Denton’s classic book American Apartheid presents, as I discussed in lecture, a vision of a very separated American,. In contrast, Iceland’s Where We Live Now suggests that color lines are blurring based on evidence on residential segregation.
For this essay, you should evaluate which view better characterizes racial inequality generally in America today. In other words, evaluate the general character of their arguments using evidence on overall levels of racial inequality in American society.
For this essay, you should create an argument, using evidence from these and other readings, including Oliver and Shapiro, Iceland, Grodksy and Pager, Allport, Bertrand and Mullainathan, and Pager.
As before, this essay should not be a summary of the assigned readings nor a “reaction paper.”
Instead, it should be argument which answers the question using evidence from the readings.
Write an arguable thesis and re-read the documents for evidence to support your thesis.
Now write your essay to provide credible reasons for believing your thesis.
Bad: Only one reason is given; or your reasons don’t relate well to your thesis. Also bad – not citing the readings when you provide information gained from them.
Good: You offer at least two relevant reasons to support your overarching thesis. You cite specific and relevant evidence from the readings to provide support and explain how your evidence supports your reasons.
At some point in the essay, consider a claim(s) that opposes your thesis/reasons; then rebut this opposing argument with new evidence or reasoning that reinforces your original thesis. Or, just admit that the objection is something to think about, though it doesn’t yet change your mind, and then explain why.
