Research Project American Consumerism

Assignment 4: Research Project American Consumerism

Length: 5-6 pages

Prewriting: What are the positive and negative effects of America’s emphasis on consumerism on one group of people, like young people, elderly, rich people, or those living in poverty. Do you agree with the accusation that Americans are addicted to buying and accumulating material goods?

OR

Respond to the two visuals on consumerism pg. 16-7 (B)

Topic: Researchthe subject of American Consumerism and arrive at your own conclusion about its effects on Americans and American values.

Readings:

Every Nook and Cranny: The Dangerous Spread of Commercialized Culture by Ruskin &Schor (Cengage reading in week 11 module)

In Defense of Consumerism by Dan Hannan (link in week 11 module)

Research:

Outside research (4 periodical/ peer-reviewed articles gathered from online databases. These articles must all define and discuss the phenomemon of consumerism in various ways and offer their own viewpoint on ways this problem can be solved or not. Articles must be current and from the last 5 years. Apart from these scholarly databases, books and magazine articles are allowed as extra sources.) You must refer to your research in your paper and cite it properly. Include a complete and proper bibliography. This should count as a separate page excluding the actual essay. You should introduce consumerism in the current context, spend some time describing it with specific examples of where you have seen consumerism manifest in our society (what effects does it have? How is it hurting our society?). Then you should spend some time defining consumerism.

3. Audience: Who will be the intended audience for your essay? (Be sure to include in your audience at least 3 of the following: race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, age, socioeconomic class, education level, etc.) You need to explain your reasons for choosing this particular audience. You also need to consider how your thesis is connected to your audience. In other words, why do you feel your main point/message/argument is “appropriate” for your audience. (10 points)

4. You will bring in your sources, highlighting the essential information to be used and do an annotated bibliography (20 points)

5. Prewriting with audience and bibliography due Nov 23^rd

6. Two rough drafts for peer review and a second rough draft for my review- Nov 30^th (20 points)

7. Be prepared to prepare a power point slide show of your topic for a presentation the day the paper is due (10 points).