ASSIGNMENT: To analyze a particular word, phrase, or concept related to the course theme, Identity and Difference, develop a focused explanation of the concept, and communicate your ideas in writing.

With this assignment, you are going to write an extended definition of a term, phrase, or concept related to the course theme, Identity and Difference. A definition essay defines a word, term, or concept in depth by providing commentary and analysis on what the specific subject means. Definitions essays do not rely on Webster’s Dictionary or any other standard dictionary, nor do these definitions rely on Wikipedia. When writing a definition essay the analysis goes deeper than a simple dictionary definition, it should attempt to explain why the term is defined as such.

In your essay, you should offer an original analysis of the word, phrase, or concept you have chosen. In contrast to a very limited dictionary definition, your Extended Definition conveys what your understanding of the various course readings and experience have taught you about that concept or term. As in other essays, you should think in terms of supporting your definition, which serves as your thesis, with three or four (or more) to support your thesis. An extended-definition essay may use a combination of patterns to support the thesis statement and topic sentences of each paragraph. You can compare and contrast, classify, give examples, trace a process, study cause-and-effect relationships, and/or tell what the concept is NOT. You should depend on intellectual inquiry to examine the concept. That is, to develop questions that probe inside or underneath the abstraction in order to better understand it.

A successful paper will:

Have a clear statement about the meaning of a term or idea
Effectively use supporting paragraphs and details to support your thesis.
Use solid evidence and logic to support your definition
Consider your audience.
Show a procession of thoughtful revision through the drafts.
Focus on a single idea and develop it fully with a purpose in mind.
Include clear, precise, effective sentences that communicate the intended meaning while using collegiate vocabulary.
Be void of any distracting errors in grammar or spelling
Logistics:

650-word minimum
Headings and the Works Cited page are not included in the total word count
Submissions having fewer words than indicated as the minimum word count requirement will be considered incomplete and will earn ZERO (0) points.
Use and document One (1) source
Source must be cited in the text of the essay and listed in correct bibliographic form on a Works Cited page
Source may be one of the required or supplemental course readings
MLA style (manuscript formatting and documentation)

Additional Resources:

Sample extended-definition essays are included in Course Learning Activities > Readings > Extended-Definition Examples
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