ESSAY #2: INTR101: Introduction to Liberal Arts 

I. Topic:
In his autobiography, Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance, Barack Obama illustrates the development of what some would call an exemplary character. Throughout the text we see Obama exhibit some virtues that have been defined by Erickson as Psychosocial virtues of an individual’s identity. These virtues are hope, faith, will, determination, purpose, courage, competence, fidelity, loyalty, love, care and wisdom. Assuming we may use these virtues to define an exemplary life write a thesis focused essay that explores one of the questions below. You will include three or four virtues that you feel are fully expressed by the author and then illustrate these with examples from the text and your own explanation.

What aspects of Erickson’s psychosocial virtues does Barack Obama develop that would lead me to conclude he lives an exemplary life? 

Or if you disagree, what aspects of Obama’s character do you see that would lead you to conclude he does not live an exemplary life?

You may not use any outside sources to develop this essay. I expect you will use Barack Obama’s autobiography and your own reasoning skills to develop your argument. 

II. Content:

A. Your essay should contain a well-developed introduction.

1.                  The thesis statement should be substantive and contain not only the central idea/argument of the paper but also a preview of your sub points.
2.                  The thesis statement should be condensed into one sentence
3.                  Your introduction should build into the thesis statement.
4.                  For help with thesis statements, see The Bedford Handbook

B.  Each paragraph in the body of the paper should begin with a clear topic sentence that asserts your position as well as the subject of the paragraph.

           1. You need to support each topic sentence with evidence.
           2. You should incorporate specific examples from the text.

3. Use the actual words of the authors in support of your arguments without using large blocked quotations.
4. Synthesize the material into the paper, clearly explaining how the textual evidence supports your argument.

C.  Your paper should have a bibliography with the Obama text, the Erickson information and/or the article from Dr. C. George Boeree.

D.  Your paper should contain a well-developed conclusion.

You will be graded on the sophistication of your thoughts and your abilities to write a coherent essay.

III.       Mechanics:

1.                  Your essay should be typed (10 or 12 pt) and double-spaced.
2.                  The length of the essay should be approximately 750-1,000 words (3-5 pages). 3.                  The paper should be clearly proofread and free from grammatical, spelling, and typing errors.
4.                  When supporting your points with evidence from other texts, you should cite the sources appropriately. 

a. Quotation marks belong around the words of others.  Introduce quotations, summary or paraphrasing from your source the first time you use it.

b. Page numbers should follow direct quotations as well as paraphrased or summarized material.

c. The heading on your first page should look like this (rt. or left is appropriate):