In "The Case for Reparations," Ta-Nehesi Coates proposes that African Americans are owed some kind of reparation or restitution based on a long history of material deprivation and economic marginalization. He contends that the experiences of contemporary African Americans is proof that there is a case to be made for material or economic redress. Coates does not define what reparations are, what they should look like, who should pay or who should be paid. His article simply provides an example of how African Americans have been harmed by structural racism perpetrated by the US government and private institutions.
For the final essay, the task is to present a critical response that clearly explains and explains why and how the history of housing discrimination Coates' describes can be considered "racist" according to Omi and Winant's definition. You should:
• Summarize Coates' article.
• Explain and discuss Omi and Winant's definition of racial formation and racial projects
• Explain why housing discrimination can and should be considered racist according to Omi and Winant's definition.
Your paper should be a minimum of 1,500 words, approximately 5-6 pages (double spaced).
NB:
• Please lay out your paper by following the sample document.
• You should use footnotes or endnotes rather than in-text citations, but you can shorten them by including only the author, title and page number.
• If you know how to write a Chicago Manual of Style footnote, you'll find all the publication information in the course bibliography.
• You should not use footnotes and in-text citations.
• Please do NOT include a title page.
• I will not accept any late work emailed to me after the drop box closes. If you're running late, submit your draft to the drop box. I will read the last draft you submit.
• If you don't turn in a final, you will receive a "0," not an "F." That means you won't receive any credit which will make it difficult if not impossible to pass the class. Again, if you're running late or have an emergency, submit something to the drop box so that you can receive credit for the assignment.
Rubric:
Clarity and Organization
• Does the introduction clearly articulate the focus of the essay?
• Are paragraphs arranged in a logical sequence?
• Are concepts or important ideas clearly defined?
• Is the writing clear and free from jargon?
• Is the essay free from grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors?
• Is the vocabulary appropriate to college level writing?
Use of Sources:
• Does the essay demonstrate accurate understanding of the material?
• Does the essay clearly and accurately represent the writer's thesis, argument, or central claim?
• Do quotations support or illustrate the purpose or focus of the paragraph?
Depth, Breadth and Scope:
• Does the essay go beyond a superficial presentation of information?
• Does the essay make sound comparisons between writers, concepts or ideas?
• Does the essay demonstrate understanding of concepts by applying them to social or historical circumstances?
• Does the essay elaborate on definitions, concepts or ideas?