Questions and Topics We Can Help You To Answer:
Paper Instructions:
Write a 1200-1400 word argumentative synthesis essay on the topic of hate crimes or hate crime laws in the United States that incorporates a minimum of five sources, three of which must be from the list of Unit 2 readings; some of these are listed below, and others are posted to Blackboard in our learning module on our topic of hate crime laws (note that the various FBI websites linked to on Blackboard only count as one source in terms of the assignment requirements, but you must cite them separately in your essay). One of your sources must be one of the articles accessed from the MDC database (see that list below). While I require you to use a minimum of three sources from my lists, the rest of you sources can come from my lists or from your own research. If conducting your own research, however, be sure that you are using reputable, high-quality sources (such as well-known newspapers or publications as opposed to a random website or blog). After learning about the topic, you must narrow your focus to something manageable. Next, your essay should bring the sources you choose into conversation with each other in order to present and showcase multiple perspectives on the topic. Your synthesis essay must also present and develop your perspective of the issue (your thesis) within the context of this larger ongoing discussion. Finally, your paper must be presented in proper MLA format, including proper in-text citations and a properly-formatted Works Cited page (the works cited page is not included in the total minimum word count). Lastly, this paper must not use firstperson (“I,” “me,” “my”) or second-person (“you,” “your,” “yours”) pronouns.
MDC Library Database
• “Hate Crime Laws: Are Hate Crime Laws Effective?” Located in the Issues and Controversies on File database. Enter the title or “Hate Crime Laws” into the database’s search bar. Note: There is an extensive list of sources listed at the bottom of this article that will be helpful if you choose to conduct additional research on your topic.
• “Hope-Fulfilling or Effectively Chilling? Reconciling the Hate Crimes Prevention Act with the First Amendment.” By Carter Coker. Published in the Vanderbilt Law Review (2011). Located in the Academic Search Complete database. Peer-Reviewed Source.
• “Understanding Hate Crime Statutes and Building toward a Better System in Texas.” By Ben Gillis. Published in the American Journal of Criminal Law and available through the Academic Search Complete Database. Peer-Reviewed Source.
• “Hate Crime/Thought Crime.” By Jesse Larner. Published in the magazine Dissent (2010). Located in the Academic Search Complete database.
• “Hate Crime Laws: Punishment to Fit the Crime.” By Michael Lieberman. Published in the magazine Dissent (2010). Located in the Academic Search Complete database.
• “Jesse Larner Replies.” By Jesse Larner. Published in the magazine Dissent (2010). Located in the Academic Search Complete database.
