a) An introduction, which should clarify your understanding of the question and what is at stake in
answering it. Why is this an important and complicated question? Are there different possible
interpretations that you are grappling with? Which one do you think is best? Your introduction
must include a direct answer to the question, often articulated in the last sentence of your
opening paragraph.
b) A main body of your essay, comprised of a series of paragraphs. Each paragraph should start
with a clear claim, a claim that is relevant to the overall answer to the question you outline in
the introduction. Then proceed to provide evidence that supports the claim, drawn from class
materials (assigned readings/media or ideas discussed in class). Though this is in no way
expected or required, if you wish you may refer to other sources to provide supporting
evidence. If you make use of any materials that do not come from the syllabus or our in-class
discussions you must cite them completely and accurately using footnotes and Chicago manual
of style format. Any sentence that contains outside information must include a footnote.
c) Finally, in a concluding paragraph, summarize your key points and reflect on the broader
significance of your answer- why should we care that you have come up with this answer? What
does this answer reveal about a bigger picture? What are the implications of the answer you
have arrived at?