Pick one prompt- here are the readings
This is the essay component of Exam 1. Below there are three prompts to choose from, you may pick ONE prompt and answer it. Please note which prompt you are selecting in your response.
The essay must be between 400-500 words. The response is worth 20 points. Please use correct in-text citation, but there is no need for a works cited page as long as you use readings from this course. You have 60 minutes to complete this essay once you start it. The assignment will close on April 14th at 11:59pm.
You must include at least three articles from this half of the semester in your response. You will be evaluated on your use of citations, meeting the length requirements, the quality of your answer (i.e., do you answer the prompt?), the ‘analysis’ of your answer (i.e., how effectively do you integrate the material into your argument?), and the quality of your writing. In other words, please treat this like a formal essay, where you clearly state your thesis, support it with body content, and then wrap it up together with a conclusion. Be explicit and creative!
The three prompts are:
Identity Choice and Discrimination
1. Several authors described how we develop, chooce, and maintain social identites in order to have a more positive self-concept and self-reference. If this is the case, why do individuals identify with groups who are discriminated against (e.g., LGBTQ+ people, racial minority groups)?
Identity Choice and Conflict
2. We see several authors describing how social identites can promote intergroup conflict, as well as variation in intragroup attachments. Why do people continue to identify with social identites, even if they cause conflict? What advantages are there to social identities that potentially outweight the consequences of social identites?
Identity and Belonging
3. How does belonging, community, and a sense of “we” shape our social identites, and the behaviors we choose to engage in as group members. In your response, please consider both the cognitive AND emotional components of belonging and social identities.
Remember, you only have to answer one essay prompt. Do not try to answer more than one!