PROJECT TEXT

Project Text asks that you interpret a major text through close reading and research. Our text is
Where We Stand: Class Matters by bell hooks. Well approach this text through a number of
critical resources, classroom discussions and activities, individual student essays and group
projects.

You will form groups of 5 and each group will be in charge of certain themes in the text. On the
day of their assigned presentation, the group will present on an assigned theme and lead a class
discussion of the text.

Requirements:
Each student is required to post at least 3 Moodle posts reflecting on an idea, theme,
symbol or issue from the text. The reflection may be a response to a particular passage
from the text or to a related idea discussed in class. Each post should be 350-500 words
in length, be academic in content and style, and should incorporate outside links to
content-related Websites or use some form of new media/visual rhetoric.
Group Presentation. Groups will present on one of the selected topics highlighted in the
text. The presentation should point to specific quotations/sections from the text and
should include researched sources as well as real-world examples. The presentation
should use new media technologies (e.g. PowerPoint, video, Google presentation, blogs,
website) and should address the complexities of the topic.
o Presentations will be assessed per the presentation rubric.
Each student will write an argumentative essay that further explores an issue highlighted
in the text.

Group Presentation Dates:

03.25.13 Group A (Education/Crossing Class Boundaries)
03.25.13 Group B (The Politics of Living Simply/Caring and Sharing)
03.27.13 Group C (Occupy Movement & Social Justice)
03.27.13 Group D (The Housing Bubble/Real Estate Racism)

ESSAY 2 Prompt:

After reading bell hooks Where We Stand: Class Matters, respond to one of the following
prompts:

Discuss hooks call to action in relation to The Occupy Movement.
Discuss the housing bubble in relation to social class and ethnicity. In other words, what
connections can be made between social class, ethnicity and real estate?
Discuss education in relation to social class/mobility. Considering the first few chapters
of the text as well as our class discussions/resources, what connections can be made
between education and class mobility?
Discuss hooks concepts of hedonistic consumerism and material longing using
current, real-world examples. Pay particular attention to The Me-Me Generation as
well as earlier chapters about hooks childhood.
Consider hooks argument regarding solidarity vs. charity and/or the responsibility of
those who have more. Pay particular attention to the chapters Living Without Class
Hierarchy, Solidarity With the Poor as well as Coming to Class Consciousness in
formulating your argument.

This is not an exhaustive list; if you have another idea that stems from the reading, I am
excited to hear it! Please discuss your idea with me as soon as possible (no later than March
20
th
). No changes can be made to your selected topic after this date.

Due Dates:

03.23.13 Project Text Paper Prospectus
03.25.13 Essay 2 Rough Draft due for Peer Review
03.31.13 Essay 2 Polished Draft due

Essay Requirements:

A 1-page prospectus that presents your essay introduction and thesis, and an informal
outline of your ideas and anticipated essay structure. Your prospectus should also
include an annotated bibliography of at least 2 library sources you will be using in
your essay.
o Your annotated bibliography should include the MLA citation and a 100-150 word
summary of your source.

Peer Review. You will post a copy of your rough draft to your groups peer review
forum. 3-4 different peer reviewers will give you feedback on your work in progress.
o You will assess the performance of your 3- 4 peer reviewers per the peer review
rubric.

Polished draft that is at least 5 pages in length, double-spaced, formatted according to
MLA guidelines with Times New Roman 12 pt. font and 1 margins. You must
include a Works Cited page.
o Research is required for this assignment. In addition to class readings, you are
required to include material from at least 2 library sources (from your own
research, not class readings). Any outside material you include must be from
credible sources such as material from the library, articles from the library
databases or newspaper/journal articles. If you are using material that comes
from a source other than those Ive listed (e.g., interviews, surveys, etc.), you
must show me the material in advance for approval.
o Your essay should be argumentative and thesis-driven, supported with logical
reasons, explanations and evidence.
o Because there is always more than one side to an issue, your essay should
incorporate and discuss possible counterarguments and opposing views.
o Your essay should reflect rhetorical awareness and address a general, academic
audience.