Overview
This is your first writing assignment in the class. The assignment requires you to write a formal essay answering the question in the prompt. Please read the directions below carefully, then read the prompt, and then proceed to write your essay. Do not collaborate on this paper with other students. Utilizing ChatGPT or another generative AI product for the final product is not acceptable, but AI may be used for generating ideas, outlining, or assistance with editing.
Directions
Essays will be between 1.5 and 2.5 pages in length (500-750ish words) no more.
The correct formatting will be double-spaced, with 12-point font in Times New Roman typeface and 1 margins in MS Word. Paragraphs should be indented.
You do not have to provide a “works cited” page for materials on the syllabus, though you should utilize in-text citations (author, year, page). The paper must include a “works cited” or “references” page if you use any material other than those assigned in the syllabus.
You can review the essential components of a good formal essay in
Do not plagiarize.
Prompt
What is the difference between civil rights and civil liberties? How have Supreme Court rulings worked to advance or detract from civil rights and civil liberties?
A successful essay will:
- Follow conventional academic essay format (contains an intro paragraph, thesis statement, body paragraphs, and a conclusion paragraph)
- Clearly define civil rights, civil liberties, and the difference between them
- Name and describe at least one Supreme Court case about civil rights – the issue, the outcome, and its impact
- Name and describe at least one Supreme Court case about civil liberties – the issue, the outcome, and its impact
- Refer to at least one course material (article readings or the textbook).
- To access the book
- Rubric
- Organization: (20 points possible)
- Essay is easy to read due to clear organization of main points (10 points)
- Method of organization is well-suited to topic (10 points)
Content: (65 points possible)
- Essay addresses assignment prompt (20 points)
- Examples in essay support thesis (15 points)
- Examples are specific and correct (10 points)
- Thesis is specific and addresses the essay prompt (10 points)
- Conclusion appropriately summarizes the main points (10 points)
Style and Mechanics: (15 points possible)
- Essay consistently uses proper punctuation, grammar, and spelling (2.5 points)
- Essay is written in appropriate academic language (2.5 points)
- Essay has works cited, if using outside sources, and appropriate in-text citations (5 points)
- Essay cites at least one course material in in-text citations (5 points)
