Developed Writing Project 1: Argument Analysis (200 points)
“We Need to Talk about Injustice” by Bryan Stevenson
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A class much like this one and a teacher much like me – but all readers are unfamiliar with the
Bryan Stevenson’s TED talk. Your explanations must provide enough information that your readers fully
understand
In “We Need to Talk about an Injustice,” Bryan Stevenson critically examines America’s criminal justice system.
He argues that this system is characterized by racial bias and inequality, and that reform is needed. Stevenson
suggests there are connections between the history of slavery and the current era of mass incarceration, in
which a disproportionate number of black Americans are incarcerated. “We Need to Talk about an Injustice” is
a TED talk Stevenson gave in March 2012.
Bryan Stevenson is the founder and director of the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI). Operating on a shoestring
budget, this organization has taken on the cases of poor and marginalized people, and reversed death
penalties for dozens of prisoners. Stevenson is the recipient of the MacArthur Foundation “Genius” Grant, and
was named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People for 2015. Stevenson is a law professor at New York
University School of Law. His memoir, Just Mercy, was recently turned into a popular movie.
Assignment
In this essay you will analyze and evaluate Stevenson’s argument. Your paper should do the following:
Describe Stevenson’s project and argument, and his most substantial claims.
Analyze and evaluate Stevenson’s use of evidence and reasoning to support his argument.
Analyze how Stevenson appeals to his audience’s emotions, establishes credibility, and deals with opposing
views.
The evaluation rubric is posted in the Project Two Module in Canvas
Learning Outcomes addressed by this assignment:
Evaluate arguments and their evidence through a process of critical inquiry.
Compose a variety of texts, employing flexible composing strategies and processes for invention, structure,
drafting, reflection, collaboration, feedback, revision, and editing.
Apply conventions of academic writing, including genre choices, grammar, spelling, mechanics, and citation
practices