Backgroun
In preparation for our first major writing assignment, we have many readings in common (you can find these articles online and some are in the Content feature of the Course D2L). (Please note: these are designed to link to the article; these are NOT accurate MLA citations, so you'll have to figure that out for yourself.):
The readings introduce us to Wikipedia, how it is used (and occasionally misused), its rightful place as a research tool, as well as its use in education settings. Indirectly, the readings also prompt us to think of the proper role of all encyclopedias (not just Wikipedia). We see debates here about intersections of censorship and democracy in Wikipedia pages, about the effects of Wikipedia policies, and what constitutes an appropriate policy, and about the use of Wikipedia in education.
Wikipedia is not unlike other things that we use a great deal in life but don’t necessarily understand how they work (think of your car, the furnace that heats your home or the air conditioner that cools it, the refrigerator, the stove). We might use these items daily, but HOW they actually work probably escapes us. In a way, that’s Wikipedia. We might use it, but we may not be aware of how it works.
One goal of this assignment is to articulate your “relationship” to Wikipedia: how you use it (or avoid using it) and in what circumstances, what kinds of experiences you have had with it both in and out of classes, and if you have ever edited a Wikipedia article, by all means, you should write about that. Incorporate specific examples of your encounters with Wikipedia to make the writing concrete and particular.
A second goal of the assignment is to enter into one of the debates highlighted by the readings. Ideally, you should use your own encounters with Wikipedia that you address in your response to the first goal as an approach into these debates.
Task
Create a personal and analytical essay (750 word minimum-- this does not include the Works Cited entries). In the first half of the essay, articulate your relationship to Wikipedia with a narrative that includes specific examples. In the second half of the essay, incorporate at least two citations from the assigned readings within analytical paragraphs that support/highlight/supplement/compliment the narrative that you established in the first half of the essay.
You must cite a minimum of two of the assigned readings/viewings in order to receive a grade.
In particular, the key criteria for this essay will be your ability to write a clear narrative and analytical thesis statement, to provide a narrative with specific and concrete examples, and your ability to write clear and effective analytical body paragraphs (claim-evidence-explanation-close). While the essay must use MLA guidelines (in-text citations and Works Cited), this aspect will be a minor criterion at this point in the course. (However, MLA guidelines will become increasingly important over the course’s duration.)
Structure
Introductory paragraph--this is where you put your lead and thesis statement. In the lead, introduce the narrative that you will be providing the reader. In the thesis statement, state the narrative and what you will analyze.
Narrative body paragraphs – this is where you provide a story detailing your relationship to Wikipedia (as mentioned in the thesis statement). Add specific and concrete details about your relationship.
Analytical body paragraphs--this is where you explain your position (as mentioned in thesis statement) using the analytical body paragraph structure which includes
-claim
-evidence
-explanation
-closing
Review the Analytical Paragraph PowerPoint presentation. Each analytical body paragraph should provide one main idea that explains how your analysis supports your narrative.
For example, if your essay is discussing two of the readings, then each analytical paragraph could discuss how one of those readings connects to your experiences with Wikipedia (using the analytical paragraph structure).
Another example could be using each analytical body paragraph to explain the different sides of a debate that is obvious from the narrative you have told of your own experience. In such body paragraphs, you would use the readings as evidence to support the different sides of the debate.
Conclusion-- the conclusion for this essay can be in the classic summary style, but anything to add a bit of excitement to that format will be viewed favorably.
MLA documentation
Follow this link to a helpful resource that will help you create MLA-style in-text citations
Follow this link to a helpful resource that will help you create MLA-style Works Cited entry
Follow this link to a helpful resource that will help you create MLA-style Works Cited entries for Wikipedia article
Additional Resources
Students must upload rough drafts and final drafts to this page.
Sample student essays
(I strongly recommend that you review the student samples; they will provide you with an exemplary essay written by former students. They can serve as useful models as you draft your own essays.)
Beth Jasper, Wikipedia in the Classroom
Mosylean Young, Where are the Gatekeepers?
Reese Hagy, Wikipedia Debate Final Draft
Sarah Flores, Dive Deeper
Grading rubric
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