Assingments % - Civil Rights Protests & Bloody Sunday

Essays:
Each student will write a 4-6 page essay reflecting on the tensions among their individual beliefs and personal interests with each of the following subject matters. The essay should represent a particular position or point of view on the topic that is both thoughtful and supported by evidence. You must cite at least 3 outside sources (APA citation format is required).
The topic for discussion is:
Civil Rights protests and/or Bloody Sunday.
Structure
The structure of the paper should follow a basic essay format. You are expected to have an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should end with your taking a particular stance on a particular issue. This stance should be grounded in your core values. Make sure it is specific and arguable.
The body of the essay should include at least three main points with supporting citations. You should agree and/or disagree with a source by using a connection to the topic you are discussing. This means that you should connect the period in Irish history that we are discussing with some other event that occurred in the world at any time in history. You should use that connection as support for your main argument.
For example, if you are discussing the Irish Civil Rights movement, you could connect that with the American Civil Rights movement. You don’t have to focus on the actual events of the period in discussion. You could, instead, look at a particular person from that period. For example, you could connect Ivan Cooper (Irish Civil Rights leader) with Martin Luther King. You could argue that they are both similar because…… or you could argue that they are very different because……. The focus, however, is using this connection as support for your main argument. This support should be clearly outlined in the body of your paper in three distinct paragraphs.
Finally, you will end with a conclusion. Wrap up your main point in a different way as a concluding statement of what you believe. Each paper must include a full reference list.
Developing, Organizing and Supporting Arguments Workshop
Strong thesis statements are at the core of every well-developed and organized academic argument. Yet, students often don’t know how to create a thesis statement that is arguable, explicit and limits the scope of their papers based on prompt instructions, class readings and their own research. Using a class assignment, students will produce a thesis statement in this workshop. They will then learn how to use their thesis statements to organize, construct and develop paragraphs stemming from that thesis. Date of the workshop is listed on the course outline.
Submission Deadline and Grading
Each student must upload their completed Paper final version to Blackboard.
In addition, before submitting the final version of any of the papers to Blackboard, each student should first take his/her first draft to the Writing Center. Please make appointments to the Writing Center two weeks in advance of the submission.
Each paper will be graded using an ECG approved rubric which can be found on Learn.
***Rubric is uploaded
Rquired texts we have ben reading in class :
1. Ten Men Dead by David Beresford
2. The diary of Bobby Sands
3. Nothing But an Unfinished Song by Denis

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step 1: Understand the Purpose of the Essay

This essay requires you to:
Reflect on the tensions between your personal beliefs and interests regarding Civil Rights protests and/or Bloody Sunday.
Take a clear, arguable stance on the topic.
Support your position with at least three outside sources (APA format).
Make a historical connection between Irish Civil Rights and another global event.

Step 2: Structure Your Essay

Your paper should be 4-6 pages and follow a structured format:

1. Introduction (1 paragraph)

Introduce the topic (Civil Rights protests and/or Bloody Sunday).
Provide historical context to set up your discussion.
End with a strong thesis statement:
- Clearly state your stance on the topic.
- Make sure your position is specific, arguable, and grounded in your core values.

Example Thesis Statement:
“The events of Bloody Sunday mirror the American Civil Rights Movement, highlighting a global pattern of state violence against peaceful protesters, which continues to shape civil rights activism today.”

2. Body Paragraphs (At least 3 main points)

Each paragraph should focus on a distinct argument that supports your thesis.

Paragraph 1: Historical Connection

Compare Bloody Sunday or the Irish Civil Rights Movement with another historical event (e.g., the American Civil Rights Movement, South African Apartheid, etc.).
Example Connection: Compare Ivan Cooper (Irish Civil Rights leader) with Martin Luther King Jr.
Use a cited source to support your argument.

Paragraph 2: Personal Reflection & Ethical Tensions

Discuss how the events challenge or align with your personal beliefs.
Explore your ethical stance on state violence, civil disobedience, or protest movements.
Reference a class text (e.g., Ten Men Dead or The Diary of Bobby Sands).

Paragraph 3: Modern-Day Implications

Connect the historical event to current civil rights issues (e.g., Black Lives Matter, Palestinian protests, etc.).
Argue how lessons from history should shape our responses to injustice today.
Support your claim with another outside source.

3. Conclusion (1 paragraph)

Restate your main argument in a fresh way.
Summarize how historical events shape your perspective on activism and justice.
End with a powerful closing thought that leaves an impact.

Step 3: Formatting & Citation Guidelines

APA Citation Format (In-text citations & full reference list).
4-6 pages (double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-pt font, 1-inch margins).
Reference Page (APA format, separate from the main text).
Submit Final Version to Blackboard before the deadline.

Step 4: Review & Final Submission

First Draft: Bring your paper to the Writing Center at least two weeks before submission.
Final Draft: Proofread for clarity, coherence, and grammar.
Upload to Blackboard before the deadline.

By following this guide, you’ll create a well-structured and compelling essay that meets all the requirements!