Reflection essay

Blood Done Sign My Name

Due in class November 28, 2007

Write a 3-4 page paper discussing this issue:

We have discussed the idea of intersectionality, or multiple layers of identities, and how our own identities change over time and place.  Even as a child, Tyson carried with him many identities:  a southerner, a preacher’s kid, and a white male, among others.  Blood Done Sign My Name tells the story of how a young person's goals become shaped by life events. How did Tyson’s childhood confrontations with racial dynamics shape his identities?

The purpose of this reflection is to demonstrate both knowledge of and reflection on the contents of the book.  The paper should have a thesis statement, evidence to support your points, and a conclusion.  Be sure to provide specific examples from the book, in order to support your points.  Imagine that your audience is a well-educated person who has not read the book.  This may help you to explain your ideas more clearly and thoroughly.

All papers must be:

• 3-4 pages in length
• Double spaced
• 12-point, Times New Roman or Garamond font – no larger or smaller
• One-inch margins all the way around the page – no more, no less
• Because you are only using one source, you may use parenthetical citations to indicate the page number from which you drew an idea/quote. 
• This is an exercise in self-control as well as an exercise in thoroughness.  Papers that are too short or, for that matter, over one page longer than the prescribed length will be graded down accordingly.
• Run your paper through spell and grammar check before submitting it – but make sure that you also proofread your paper before submitting it.  I expect papers to be in proper prose, using effective grammar, proper sentence and paragraph construction, and a concise and clear thesis and conclusion.  If you are uncertain about how to construct a proper essay, read Rampolla thoroughly.  Then, if you still have questions, see me.

Make certain that you are aware of the definition of plagiarism and how to avoid it.  The UNCA Catalog and the Student Handbook each have sections on plagiarism and academic honesty.  If you are at all in doubt, come see me.  I practice a zero-tolerance policy toward plagiarism and other forms of academic dishonesty.  Anyone caught cheating will receive a final grade of F for the course.