2 Separate Papers! One outline, one final essay draftOutline Format:
I. Introduction
- Introduce the topic of identity politics and its relevance in Queer and Trans Ethnic Studies.
- Briefly outline the key themes and arguments you will explore in your paper.
- Present your thesis statement, indicating your central argument regarding the evolution and conceptualization of identity politics by the selected authors.
II. Historical Context
- Provide a historical overview of the time periods in which the selected authors wrote.
- Discuss the social, political, and cultural circumstances that influenced their work.
- Explain how these historical contexts shaped their perspectives on identity politics.
III. Definitions and Frameworks
- Analyze how each selected author defines and conceptualizes identity politics.
- Discuss key concepts such as intersectionality, oppression, race, gender, and activism.
- Compare the foundational principles each author presents in their work.
IV. Evolving Perspectives on Identity Politics
- Trace the evolution of identity politics across the selected readings.
- Identify key shifts, changes, or developments in how identity politics is understood over time.
- Discuss how these shifts reflect broader societal or academic changes.
V. Critical Comparison of Authors’ Perspectives
- Compare and contrast the viewpoints of the selected authors.
- Identify commonalities and divergences in their perspectives on identity politics.
- Discuss tensions, contradictions, or debates that emerge when juxtaposing their ideas.
VI. Conclusion
- Summarize your key findings and arguments.
- Reflect on the significance of these readings for contemporary discussions on identity politics.
- Offer final thoughts on how these works contribute to ongoing activism and theoretical developments in Queer and Trans Ethnic Studies.
Final Paper Instructions:
In your midterm paper, critically examine the changing landscape of identity politics as articulated by key authors in the field of Queer and Trans Ethnic Studies. Drawing from the readings we have covered in this course, including Audre Lorde’s “Master’s Tools” and “Uses of Anger” (must use both or neither!), the Combahee River Collective’s “A Black Feminist Statement,” Cathy Cohen’s “Punks, Bulldaggers, Welfare Queens: The Radical Potential of Queer Politics,” E. Patrick Johnson’s “Quare Studies,” and Roderick Ferguson’s “The Multidimensional Beginnings of Gay Liberation,” explore how these authors construct and conceptualize identity politics within the context of race, gender, sexuality, and activism. Choose at least three of these readings to engage with in-depth. Your paper should be 5 pages, double-spaced, in Times New Roman 12-pt font.
Your paper should address the following key points:
- Historical Context: Provide a brief historical overview of the time periods in which these authors wrote and the social, political, and cultural circumstances that influenced their work. How did these contexts shape their perspectives on identity politics?
- Definitions and Frameworks: Analyze the foundational definitions and frameworks of identity politics presented by each author. What are the central concepts and principles they put forward? How do they conceptualize identity, intersectionality, and oppression?
- Evolving Perspectives: Trace the evolution of identity politics across your selected readings. Have there been shifts or changes in how identity politics are constructed and understood over time? Identify any key developments you notice.
- Critical Comparison: Compare and contrast the perspectives of these authors, identifying both commonalities and divergences in their views on identity politics. What tensions or contradictions emerge when their ideas are juxtaposed?
Your paper should be well-organized, with clear references to the texts and ideas of the authors under consideration. Engage in critical analysis, drawing on evidence from the readings to support your arguments. Be sure to incorporate relevant course concepts and theories into your analysis.
Midterm Rubric (1) (1) (1)Midterm Rubric (1) (1) (1)CriteriaRatingsPtsStrong thesis/argumentview longer description20 ptsthesis statement clear + argument outlined15 ptsthesis stated but argument not outlined10 ptsthesis loosely stated but unclear5 ptsno clear intro/thesis/argument0 ptsNo Marks———————————————-/ 20 ptsHistorical Contextview longer description10 ptsall 3 readings contextualized7.5 ptstwo readings contextualized5 ptsone reading contextualized2.5 ptsno readings historically situated/contextualized0 ptsNo Marks———————————————-/ 10 ptsDefinitions and Frameworksview longer description20 ptsall 3 defined15 ptstwo author’s works defined10 ptsone author’s work defined5 ptsno authors’ definitions/frameworks discussed0 ptsNo Marks———————————————-/ 20 ptsEvolution of Perspectivesview longer description20 ptsgrowth of discourse offered by all 315 ptsgrowth of discourse offered by 2 authors10 ptsgrowth of field offered by one author5 ptsno timeline of perspectives at all0 ptsNo Marks———————————————-/ 20 ptsCritical Comparisonview longer description20 ptscomparison of all 3 readings in relation to each other15 ptscomparison of two readings to each other10 ptscomparison of one reading to another5 ptsno comparison amongst readings0 ptsNo Marks———————————————-/ 20 ptsGrammarview longer description10 pts<3 typos, citations noted7.5 pts<5 typos, citations noted5 pts<10 typos, no citations2.5 pts10+ typos, no citations0 ptsNo Marks———————————————-/ 10 ptsTotal Points: 0