Essay 2: Definition Argument
Option 1: Identify a term (word or phrase) whose present meaning, as commonly understood, you believe is misleading and/or problematic in a way that is socially, politically, religiously, and/or psychologically significant. Redefine the term or replace it with another term altogether, and make a convincing case for why your new definition or term is better than the one it would replace. Support your argument with specific examples and two outside sources, at least one of which must me scholarly. Andrew Vachss’ “Watch Your Language,” Laura Mullins’ “Paragon or Parasite,” and Susan Jacoby’s “Best is the New Worst” are useful models for this option.
Option 2: Identify a term that you believe is often confused with another term(s) of similar meaning, distinguish the first term from the other(s), and show why the distinction between the terms is socially, politically, religiously, and/or psychologically significant. Support your argument with specific examples and two outside sources, at least one of which must me scholarly. Robin Givhan’s “Glamour, That Certain Something,” Thomas Sowell’s distinguishing between wisdom and intellect in the first two chapters of Intellectuals and Society, and George Will’s “Forget Values, Let’s Talk Virtues” (http://www.jewishworldreview.com/cols/will052500.asp) are useful models for this option.
*Whichever option you choose, heed the “Strategies for Developing an Extended Definition” (RRW, 186-188) and “Preparing a Definition Argument” (RRW, 189-190).Following is a partial list of “loaded” (i.e., contested) terms for your consideration: liberty, freedom, equality, liberal, conservative, progressive, social justice, political correctness, racist, sanctity of life, quality of life, environmentalist, hate crime, sanctity of marriage, family values, culture wars, tolerance, extremist, fundamentalist, civility,
Minimum Length Requirement: 900 words (roughly three pages, double-spaced with one-inch margins)
Outside Sources: Support your argument with two outside sources, at least one of which must be scholarly. Integrate each source into the body of your text in a meaningful way, cite each source correctly according to MLA format, and document each source correctly on a separate Works Cited page according to MLA format.