Below is the prompt for your first major paper in this course. This paper is NOT due this week. However, you should take read the prompt and start working on this paper now. The actual due dates are at the end of the prompt. Make sure you put the date on your calendar and prepare for this paper effectively.

National Identity Paper Prompt

Description

In the first few chapters of Dear America, Vargas explores his nationality as an American: how he learned how to be American, what American meant to him, and how he tried to fit in as an American. He points out that most people don't ever think about their own nationality because they are not asked to.

For your first paper, ask yourself: What nationality do you identify with? You should pick one nationality. If you are unsure what a nationality is, try looking through this pretty comprehensive list. How did you learn to act, eat, speak, and perform as someone with this identity (did someone teach you? Was it from tv? People around you?) What does it mean to you to be a member of this national identity?

When writing an identity paper, it is best to pick specific stories, moments, and details that depict how and why you identify with the nationality that you identify with. Be specific with your stories. For example, instead of saying "My culture eats all types of foods," it would be more specific and accurate to say "As an American, I eat foods from all over the world, because America's cuisine is like the culture: a melting pot of many different nationalities. For instance, I love to cook and eat everything from Thai pho to French macaroons."

For this paper, you will ultimately be answering this question: What does it mean to be my nationality? Be sure to personalize your paper with stories about yourself and your family.

Requirements

Minimum 1500 words

Also, please review the attached rubric at the bottom of the Assignment page.

Due Date

The first draft of this paper will be due the week of September 14th. We will workshop this paper that week. I will give you comments on the paper and points based on how complete the paper is (make sure you read the rubric).

The final draft of this paper is due in your Final Portfolio (due at the end of the class)

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