Assignment: Type a two-and-a-half page or more, double-spaced essay analyzing De
Assignment: Type a two-and-a-half page or more, double-spaced essay analyzing Delfina Cuero’s narrative. Please note that if you are hoping to earn a B or better, your essay must also draw upon specific material presented in First People—Kumeyaay, the video assigned for Module #2. I will not require you to address a specific prompt; you may write on any issue discussed within the text. If you are stuck, these are some suggestions that may help you get started:
1. What specifics does Delfina’s narrative provide for understanding the Kumeyaay world view?
2. Discuss Kumeyaay strategies for drawing on multiple sources of food to survive in their environment.
3. What elements of her culture or beliefs did Delfina Cuero retain? Why? What parts of her culture did Delfina forget? Why?
4. Did Delfina Cuero consider herself a success or a failure? Do you think she was accurate in her assessment of her own life? Why or why not?
5. What were the most significant challenges faced by Delfina and the Kumeyaay?
Due Date: The paper is due by the end of the day on Sunday, March 24. You will lose 20 points for each calendar day—including weekends—the essay is late. If you have remaining extension days, those will waive the late penalty. For example, if the essay comes in on Monday, March 25, it will use one extension day and then the assignment will be counted as on time.
Writing Your Essay: In your introduction, introduce your subject matter and pose a thesis about your topic. You must state your thesis in your first paragraph.
In the body, develop your arguments proving the thesis. Organize each paragraph around a topic sentence (the first sentence in the paragraph). The sentences that follow flesh out the topic while supporting your claims with evidence. Paragraphs should be linked by transitions.
Essays must primarily focus on the primary source evidence in the book and the information from the assigned video.
The arguments should lead to a conclusion that sums the logic of the arguments in the body and verifies that you have defended the validity of your thesis.
Evaluation: Papers will be evaluated on the following criteria: your introduction and thesis, you usage and analysis of Delfina Cuero (very important), your inclusion of material from First People—Kumeyaay, your conclusion; spelling and grammar; syntax, sentence structure and formatting (includes appropriate use of quotes and citations). A rubric will be posted to Canvas.
Writing Your Essay: In your introduction, introduce your subject matter and pose a thesis about your topic. You must state your thesis in your first paragraph.
In the body, develop your arguments proving the thesis. Organize each paragraph around a topic sentence (the first sentence in the paragraph). The sentences that follow flesh out the topic while supporting your claims with evidence. Paragraphs should be linked by transitions.
Essays must primarily focus on the primary source evidence in the book. If you write your essay based on something you found online, you will earn a low score on the assignment.
The arguments should lead to a conclusion that sums the logic of the arguments in the body and verifies that you have defended the validity of your thesis.
Evaluation: Papers will be judged on the following criteria: your thesis, the strength of your arguments in the body paragraphs, your usage of the primary source material (very important), your conclusion, spelling and grammar, syntax, paragraph structure (topic sentences, development evidence, transitions) and sentence structure, and citations. A rubric Canvas will give you a specific breakdown on how I will award points. Failing to refer to the rubric may result in the loss of a significant portion of your points. Note that I will also be checking to see how well you responded to the comments I left on the preliminary assignments building up to the final essay.
Source Directions: To write this paper you must draw upon the primary source materials found in the book. You are NOT writing an essay based on Wikipedia or any other online sources. The purpose of the assignment is to enable students to formulate an argument based upon their reading of primary source evidence. Failing to focus your essay on the primary source evidence will result in a severe reduction of your grade. Do not bring in outside material as it may detract from your discussion of the primary source evidence in your chosen book.
Citation Method: You may use MLA or Chicago style citations. You must use citations when you provide quotes and when you summarize or paraphrase your sources. Failing to cite quoted or summarized/paraphrased material will lower your score. From previous semesters I know that students frequently neglect to cite material when they are summarizing/paraphrasing. The easiest way to make sure you do this is to cite as you write your essay. This will save you from having to scramble to find the page references as you make the final edits to your paper.
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