Argumentation Essay

Select one of the following topics and write an essay interpreting the film, American History X, in relation to that topic. Be aware that in many ways these are not necessarily distinct topics; there will be much overlap between gang violence and neo-Nazism, for example.

1) social stratification

2) neo-Nazism (ideology)

3) racism

4) racial stereotyping

5) gang violence

6) immoral behavior and redemption

Your object in this essay is to propose a claim or thesis and prove it using a combination of research on the broader topic and evidence from the film.

Sample theses:

Neo-Nazism is based on an indefensible ideology of hatred, as demonstrated by the film American History X.
Gang violence is an inevitable consequence of Neo-Nazism.
American History X is primarily a film about redemption and atonement for depraved attitudes and behavior.
The film, American History X, is a story of fear and hatred as exemplified by the racism of a Neo-Nazi group. The film conveys and reaffirms the cancerous and tragic consequences of such fear in our society.

Use the script of American History X to locate specific quotes to support your essay.

Bibliography

You are required to have five research sources in your bibliography. These sources must be authoritative, substantial sources. Use the Evaluation Web Sites as a guide for selecting web sites.

1) Three (at least) must be linked to the source itself.

2) Two (at least) must be from traditional media (i.e. magazine, journal, newspaper, book). These may be

available online, but must have been originally published in edited, print format.

You are free to search for interpretations of the film and include these in your bibliography, but most of your research should focus on the broader topic into which your thesis fits, such as racism, gangs and gang violence. Become familiar with key terms related to your topic, such as skinheads, bigotry, fanaticism, fascism.

Organization

Read the following for guidelines on constructing and writing effective arguments:

Format

You essay must be at least 1250 words. Be sure to type your essay in the designated MS Word Format. (To change the footer - page number and date - double-click on the footer box, then delete the "page number" and "date" text. Then you should be able to go to the dropdown menu "Insert - Page numbers" and "Insert Date and Time."