W. E. B. DuBois invites all readers, regardless of
ethnic background, to consider his proposition that the “color-line”
will constitute the “problem of the Twentieth Century.”
From your “modern” perspective, do you feel that DuBois’s statement is
still valid today? Do you find that DuBois was correct in his prediction
that issues of “race” and “ethnicity” would be at the center of
American social, political and artistic developments? Or do you find
that the interaction between “minorities” and “majorities” in the United
States has taken on a lesser or different role than that which DuBois
predicted?
Please follow these steps:
1.Skim through DuBois’ essay which are attached. Take notes that focus
on the topic of “color-line” as the “problem of the Twentieth Century.”
Highlight or copy sections you may want to quote, summarize or
paraphrase in your own writing.
As you study and take notes, keep in mind that your goal for this
writing assignment is to make a focused, independent argument. Aim to
develop your own ideas but also draw on the readings. Be specific, use
examples. Again, do not just state an opinion but back up all statements
you make with researched facts and observations.
As you know, your study of texts is the important research component of
any writing you do. In this case, look for at least three ideas voiced
in the readings to include in the finished essay. You can quote
directly, summarize or paraphrase these ideas. In each case, you need to
cite in-text in correct APA format. You also need to add an APA style
reference page. For complete instructions on APA, see your college
Online Library, which you can access through the Resources tab.
2. Draft a thesis for your essay. A thesis states your main idea in a
sentence. A sample thesis (which you are free to use) might be:
W. E. B. Dubois claims that the “color-line” has and will continue to
be America’s Number 1 problem, which may be as seen in or disputed by
the (chose to agree or disagree) sample writings by ____, ____, and
______ (insert 1, 2, or 3 writers from your assigned reading.)
3.Create a brief but accurate outline. Your outline should include:
a.Introduction (and thesis)
b.Three body paragraphs
c.Conclusion
Be sure to include a topic sentence for each of the 3 body paragraphs as
well as 1 or 2 supporting ideas you plan to address in the paragraph.
Remember that the topic sentences should tie back to the thesis
statement. Each supporting point should support and further develop the
idea of the topic sentence for the paragraph. Include at least 3 quotes
from the readings in the overall outline.
4.Write your introduction. Your introduction should contain an attention
getter that draws the reader in. You can start with a dramatic
incident, such as: “Yesterday 2,000 protesters marched in Jena,
Louisiana, in defense of black students who had been unfairly treated by
the law.” And so on. The scene should flow into your thesis, which
becomes the last sentence in your introduction. The introduction should
be a solid paragraph of 4 to 5 sentences.
5.Combine the introduction and thesis and outline into one document.
Place the introduction and thesis on first page and the outline on
following page(s).
