Final Essay - Freedom of Speech

You've come a long way this semester, and learned much about the history and importance of the First Amendment in our world today. In your final essay for the course, please pick a current cultural, political or social issue relevent to the First Amendment (either in a particular field: radio, television, books, magazines, Internet, etc.) or a topic (ethics, politics, social, economic), and write a critical argument about the relevance and importance the First Amendment will have on this issue and how it may affect the future of free speech in America.

This essay will require research. You must cite at least four sources (case law citation will work) in your argument, and include a works-cited page.

Requirements for the essay (see Grading Criteria for more):

1. Write a well-defined thesis: A thesis statement contains a single idea, clearly focused and specifically stated, that grows out of your exploration of a subject. A thesis statement can be thought of as a central idea phrased in the form of an assertion. It is a claim—that is, it indicates what you claim to be true, interesting, or valuable about your subject.

2. Organize the classic rhetorical argument:

• Introduction: Introduce your issue and capture the attention of your audience. Try using a short narrative or a strong example.
• Background information: Provide your audience with a history of the situation—state how things currently stand. Define any key terms. Even if you think the facts speak for themselves, draw the attention of your audience to those points that are especially important and explain why they are meaningful.
• Proposition: Introduce the position you are taking. Frame it as a thesis statement or claim.
• Proof: Discuss the reasons why you have taken you position. Provide facts, expert testimony, and any other evidence that supports your claim.
• Refutation: Show why you are not persuaded by the arguments of people who hold a different position. Concede any point that has merit but show why this concession does not damage your own case.
• Conclusion: Summarize your most important points and appeal to your audience’s feelings.

3. Finally, follow all of the grammar, punctuation, and stylistic rules we’ve studied over the past two months. The essay must be free of run-on sentences and sentence splices. Use active voice.

Turn in your essay by midnight, May 2, to: tonyraymorris@gmail.com), or hardcopies in class box outside of office: Gamble 115 E