Group Authored Introduction

The introduction needs to bring all the parts of the issue together. It should present your theme, why your group thinks that theme (or topic or question) is important or put differently what considering that theme might help us to understand. Your introduction is essentially two parts:  The argument and the breakdown:

In the first part your group should posit a central claim. It doesn’t have to be a claim that sums up everything that is to be said about that theme, but based on the way your issue has come together, you should posit some claim, some argument, or angle about how we are to read these pieces. It may take you 1-2 pages to do all this part. [For more on crafting your introduction, click here.]

The second half of the introduction needs to walk us through the different parts of the issue. This part is kind of like writing a descriptive paper except the issue is the object. You want to walk me through what’s in the issue in a way that relates it back to the argument you just made. You are like a guide about to walk me through all of your work; this is your chance to make sure I understand how you want me to view these pieces.   If you were to present your work, you should be able to read the introduction all by itself.

This paper should be 3-4 pages. It should be double spaced, one inch margins, 12 point Times New Roman font.   It should include any relevant citations.

 

Group Authored Introduction Grading Rubrics

Argument

Do you identify your theme, topic, or question of inquiry? Do you contextualize how you came to this theme and what you see as at stake in exploring this theme in this time and moment? Do you posit an argument based on how the rest of the issue explores this theme? Do you clearly articulate the logic of this argument? Do you explain the stakes of the argument?

Breakdown

Do you clearly walk me through the parts of the issue? Do you relay those parts back to the claim your introduction has just made?

Language

Do you use clear, complete, and active sentences? Do you adhere to rules of capitalization and correct punctuation? Is your spelling accurate and consistent?