For next week I would like you each to begin the process of crafting an essay. I am of course also open to the possibility of collaborative projects. To that end, please email me by the end of the day next Thursday (let's say 8 pm for convenience) a preliminary topic, working thesis, and thesis paragraph (containing the thesis, any necessary explanation of what you do and don't mean by it and its terms, and any useful framing of the issue, such as why the thesis needs proving, in case it might seem obvious to the uninitiated).
Be careful to exclude from your thesis paragraph any grounds (textual, reasoned, observed) for thinking it is true. Instead, list all such grounds as premises, that is, single declarative sentences, after your thesis paragraph (hint: these will later become topic sentences of paragraphs in your essay).
I recognize and accept that you may cast around awhile for a topic, and for a solid thesis (one that is both interesting, probably true, but in need of support), so some adjustment will take place as the essay takes shape. Sometimes one must write an entire paper before being certain what one is arguing for. So the more feverish brainstorming and attempting to nail your ideas down in writing you can do before next Thursday, the better it will probably be for all of us.
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