Short Paper Assignment

Assignment: Read Rebecca Solnit’s article, “Detroit Arcadia” (handed out in class). In this article, published earlier this year in Harper’s Magazine, Solnit explores the dramatic decline of what once was one of America’s largest cities.

Once you’ve read the article, write a short essay that evaluates Solnit’s argument. Is her cautious optimism about Detroit’s future justified, or are there other problems that may derail her vision of a post-industrial city? There is no need to conduct additional research, but I expect you to provide well-reasoned arguments for or against Solnit, using whatever evidence is available to you. (Note: your opinion is NOT evidence.) You are welcome to refer to the readings from previous classes.

Your essay should be 3-5 pages, double-spaced, and typed with 1” margins. There is no need to include a bibliography unless you use sources outside the article or the Urban Politics Reader. However, if you quote from the article or any other source, please format the quotation properly. Also, if you use an idea from another source, make sure you credit that source.

Deadlines: The paper is due in class on Tuesday, November 6. Late papers without a valid, documented excuse, will be penalized a full letter grade.

Grading: I’ve included below my standard criteria for grading paper assignments. Please read these thoroughly and let me know if you have any questions about them; your paper will be assigned a letter grade based on these criteria.

A Expresses complex, independent thought with grace, clarity and force. Its purpose is clear from the start: it contains a thesis that is imaginatively, logically, and precisely developed. Not only is the paper organized, the organization does not seem mechanical or imposed. Any source material included is balanced and smoothly integrated into the essay. Each topical paragraph has a controlling idea, solid detail, and smooth transitions. The sentences are varied in length and structure. The writer chooses concrete, specific words and uses them correctly, employing diction that is distinctive and mature, with effective metaphors and analogies for clarity and emphasis. The essay contains no colloquialisms, clichés, or trite expressions. It is virtually free of grammatical and mechanical errors.

B Contains a clear thesis statement supported with good examples. The writer controls the essay’s development by arranging the examples supporting the thesis in an orderly and logical fashion. The essay is well-organized, but transitions are sometimes strained. Any source material included is smoothly integrated, and some independent conclusions are drawn. Each topical paragraph has a controlling idea and good supporting detail. The sentences are usually varied. The word choice is generally correct. The writer often goes beyond the automatic word choice to find one more precise and effective. The paper is generally correct mechanically, though there are some problems with complex grammar and punctuation traps.

C Contains a recognizable thesis and adequate development. Though the paper has some interesting parts, the interest is not uniformly maintained and the purpose is not always clear. There are very few errors in sentence structure by the sentences are not varied. The word choice is generally correct, but the range of words is limited, and in some cases the wording is abstract and imprecise. Source material included is relevant but not carefully integrated. This essay also has errors in syntax, spelling and punctuation. More importantly, it lacks an original, significant purpose or point of view.

D Meets only the minimum requirements of college writing. The writer approaches the topic in a conventional and predictable manner. The essay lacks imagination and insight. Though it still contains a thesis, it is poorly or mechanically developed. It also lacks adequate support of generalizations. Source materials are cited improperly, are not directly relevant, and/or overwhelm the essay. Some principle of organization is apparent but it is not successful followed. The diction is often imprecise and monotonous. The writer uses vague, ordinary words and relies on clichés and jargon. The essay contains sentence fragments, run-on sentences, and numerous basic errors in syntax, agreement, reference, spelling, and punctuation.