Goals of Assignment
Use appropriate organizational structure(s)
Practice and reinforce essay organization that revolves around claims
Practice researching interesting sources beyond the textbook as well as evaluating good quality sources
Using MLA documentation style, practice incorporating an outside sources to support your argument.
Practice articulating a one-sentence thesis statement that reflects complex analysis
Practice using freewriting or other invention strategies to discover the topic
Improve grammar and sentence structure

Description

In this essay, I ask that you explore some PLACE in California that interests you, especially one you know well. You may use one of the assigned readings, such as “Castro Q&A,” as a starting point. In most cases, focusing on a place you know well will be easiest. However, you will have to find good quality research to help you explore this place. Your task is to analyze this place’s culture, the history behind the culture, the way the topography and geography contribute to the culture. Your thesis will assert your interpretation of the essence of the culture.The definition essay structure is probably the most appropriate for this topic, but this structure is not required.

Consider this definition of “culture” (there are many): British anthropologist Edward Burnett Tylor in 1874 described culture in the following way: “Culture or civilization, taken in its wide ethnographic sense, is that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society.”

As expressed in the sample essays and class discussion, most places are shaped by geographical, political, social and economic factors, among other things. For example, the essay on Silicon Valley asserts very specific work ethics and lifestyles that spring from the dominance of the high tech industry base there; although other areas might be influenced by other industry, the influence would be a little different, as another essay we discussed shows how the oil industry, mixed with the geography and weather, shape the culture and ethic of San Joaquin Valley.

Begin by researching the history of the place. You will no doubt be surprised by events that shaped its past that you were unaware of.

Your paper will develop specific claims (topic sentences) about which factors shape the culture of the selected area. Every place is different, so this difference will be expressed as your thesis. For example,in some areas, an industry may dominate its culture, such as Silicon Valley or wine in Napa; for other places it distance from large cities; for others a famous event might define it most, or the presence of an important university. Be sure each claim has adequate support—narrative, description, statistics, facts, quotes, experts, research, surveys, et cetera.

One requirement for this essay is that you use US Census Bureau statistics in some way to support your analysis (if you are analyzing the culture of a place that is not isolated in the US Census, see me about finding alternative statistics).You may want to do primary research, including interviewing residents or business/community leaders, or sitting in on town council meetings, or researching original newspaper articles.

You may use a reading from the textbook or Moodle page as a starting point; however, you are required to research at least ONE other source to use in your analysis. You may not use Wikipedia as a source (you may, however, find good sources from a Wikipedia bibliography/works cited). Include a minimum of THREE quotes or paraphrases with in text citations and use of signal phrases to introduce them.

Alternative Assignment
You have the option to write essay #3 on the current state of water resources in California. You might focus on a specific area such as the San Joaquin Valley or Los Angeles. You are required to use a minimum of two researched sources. There are articles in the California Dreams and Realities textbook in El Luria library that may be useful (though they are not current).

Special considerations for this essay form

1. As always, DO NOT write “I think,” “I believe,” I feel,” and do not write a conclusion that begins “In conclusion.” You need to divest yourselves of these bad habits before you complete this class.

2. Consider the variety of organizational styles used in the sample readings. “In Search of Oildorado” relies heavily on description and observation, and “Identified by Technology” uses a compare/contrast structure.

3. Use the class Research Guide or ask a librarian for help finding information for you location.

4. Use no fewer than three quotes or paraphrases from quality researched sources. Be sure each is introduced with a signal phrase. Be sure each has a correct in-text citation.

5. Include a works cited as a separate page (page 5). Use at least THRE good sources. Our Reader and Moodle page may be used as one source.

6. Make a conscious choice to use one of the introduction and conclusion strategies discussed in class. Write an introduction that makes someone want to read your essay, and be sure your conclusion is more stimulating than simply summarizing.

7. Avoid writing a paper that sounds like a tourist brochure or chamber of commerce ad. This is an analysis, not a promotion. To this end, avoid using literature or websites targeted at tourists or newspaper articles focused on telling readers the fun places to eat or visit in a town.

8. This is not a personal narrative. Start your essay with an explicit thesis statements in the introductory paragraph, preferably the last sentence of the introductory paragraph. Only use personal observations or descriptions to support your claims. (Although some of our readings tended to be written in a very personal style, they were all analytical. If you feel unsure about how to combine the personal with the analytical, then focus on an analytical paper.)