Tutorial: Myth of the Middle Class
Fall 2001

In the book Fear of Falling, B. Ehrenreich describes the values and attitudes of the "professional middle class" in order to make here argument that the American middle class has turned its back on the less fortunate. But as evidence she typically cites the writings of journalists and intellectuals. Do you think that such sources provide adquate support for her case? Why do you think so?

This paper should be two pages in length. It should make a point and be clear and coherent. Your paper will be discussed in class on either September 11 or the 13.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF PAPER ASSIGNMENTS
The introduction of your paper should raise a problem or pose a question that demands a solution. Your thesis, which should come at the end of your introduction, should be a response to that problem or question. Make sure your paper provides adequate development and support for your argument -- that is, sufficient evidence to convince the reader that you are presenting a valid interpretation of the facts. Good expository writing requires that the paragraph structure of the body of the paper relates directly to the central issue set out in the introduction.

Your paper should express your own ideas. You must footnote not only paraphrases from the texts, but also ideas borrowed, for example, from the introductions to the texts; not to do so is plagiarism. Please proofread your paper for style and grammar, punctuation, page numbers, etc., as well as content.

Be sure to keep a print copy for yourself to insure against the possibility of a lost paper. No extensions are given for papers except for documented health reasons (documented through a physician) or a legitimate personal reason (documented through the Office of Student Affairs).

The paper should be accompanied by a title page which should include the paper's title, your name, mailbox number, and the date. The title should reflect your overall point, be centered on the title page one third of the way down and should not be underlined or within quotation marks unless it is in fact a quote. The rest of the information on the title page should be at the lower right of the page. The paper should be typed, double-spaced, indented at the beginning of a paragraph, and with 1 inch margins on all four sides. Title pages are not numbered; the subsequent pages should be, starting with "1." If you do not know how to do this, go to helpdesk documentation. (http://www.grinnell.edu/helpdesk/doc/WordPg.pdf)

Do not use the passive voice unless you have a good reason for it. Do not use "this" as a pronoun.
If you have any questions at all about this assignment, contact me as soon as possible.

Two typed, double-spaced pages, due in my office by 7 pm the night before you present your paper.

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Last Modified: 3 September 2001