Proud Shoes/ American Freedom Essay
Historian Eric Foner wrote, Freedom is not a fixed, timeless category with a single, unchanging definition. Indeed, the history of the United States is, in part, a story of debates, disagreements, and struggles over freedom. How does Pauli Murray’s memoir Proud Shoes illuminate or complicate your conception of American freedom?
Preparing your essay:
As you prepare to write your essay, first ask yourself: What does American freedom mean to me? How does Pauli Murray’s story illuminate or complicate my own definition and personal experience of freedom? You may choose, for example, to write about the social, economic, or personal aspects of freedom. You may choose to focus on the conditions that make freedom possible or on the boundaries of American freedom (who is entitled to enjoy freedom and who is not?). With a specific aspect of freedom in mind, construct an essay that focuses on an episode, theme, or character from the book. Note that you are NOT asked to write a book report (a simple recounting/summary of the plot line of Proud Shoes). If you submit a book report, you will receive a failing grade. Instead, draw on the book to provide rich examples and supporting evidence for your exposition on American freedom.
Other important details:
You are welcome (even encouraged) to write this essay in the first person (I/me). However, you are writing an academic paper. Your essay must contain a clear thesis statement (a main argument), as well as specific evidence and examples drawn from Proud Shoes. Failure to do so will result in a failing grade. No outside sources.
Use parenthetical (in-text) citations to document all ideas that are not your own. For example, when you draw on information from Proud Shoes or your textbook or paraphrase or quote these sources, not the author’s last name and page number in your paper like this: (Foner, 226), (Murray, 12). For this paper, you do not need to list the author’s full name or the title of the book in your citations.
Your paper should be 3 full pages in length, double spaced, 12-point Times New Roman font, and 1-inch margins. This essay comprises 15% of your final grade. Failure to submit will affect your final grade. Your essay should be submitted to Blackboard before 5 pm on Thursday, March 21.
This is the exact instruction sheet we were given. Please read over this and ensure it is followed. Thank you.
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