Introduction:

The first four weeks of our seminar have been marked by reading and discussions of how we define success.  Some of the texts we have read describe and exalt the American Dream or outline ways of achieving it (Course Reader); others show the deleterious effects of the quest for the American dream on average American families (Miller); still others study how the drive to make money has affected our society at large, often in very negative ways (Ritzer).  In addition to these textual “voices,” we have conducted discussions where our own voices and experiences have been drawn into the conversation about success in America.  I hope that everyone has begun to see that it is not only we who define success in America, but that it defines us, too.  This paper will give you the opportunity to explore this idea and draw many voices together to make sense of the course “conversation” thus far.

Assignment:

In 3-4 pages, write an essay in which you discuss how we as Americans define success and how it defines us.  In writing this paper, your primary texts should be Ritzer’s McDonaldization and Miller’s Death of a Salesman, but you are free to use any of the other texts we have read as well.  Don’t forget your own voice in this project; you should have a definite opinion that is at least informed, if not shaped, by the texts we have read.  Your job is to show me this opinion and bring ideas from Ritzer and Miller to bear on this opinion.  Voices from peers and the course reader are welcome as well, and, I would expect, the best papers will include some of these “extra” voices.

Grading Criteria:

In grading your paper, I will be looking first and foremost for sophistication and complexity of thought as you tackle this topic.  I am not interested in your rehashing Miller, Ritzer, and others; rather, I hope to read your own, thoughtful ideas about the topic, supported by the creative work of Miller, the research of Ritzer, and other texts or voices, should you so desire.
Other important factors influencing your grade will be:

• A clear thesis statement, typically located at the end of your introductory paragraph.
• Examples from the texts that support your ideas.
• Discussion of those examples, linking them to your thoughts.
• Attention to the details of good writing: mechanics, spelling, grammar, punctuation, etc.

Do not sit down to the computer at 11 p.m. February 8 to begin your paper.  Rather, begin your project as soon as possible so you have time to let your thoughts develop.  Write at least one draft and have a peer in our class look at it for input.  Give yourself time to revise and refine your thoughts.