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CNCT Course Guide for CompleteDegree: Essays 1 & 2

Writing an essay with an argument

Steps

  • What interested you most about the book? Find a topic that you personally care about. For example, Gifty's mental health, racial identity, or identity as a scientist.
  • Organize your thoughts in an outline. Include an introduction and conclusion, introducing your argument in the beginning, and summarizing it at the end.
  • Draft and edit your paper
  • If you do research for your essay, remember to write down your sources so that you can cite them later. Everyone will need to cite Transcendent Kingdom, at the very least. 

 

For a look at some major themes of the book, find some research sources in the Transcendent Kingdom Library Guide.

 

If you plan to do your own research about Gifty's identities and issues, you can find more information about how to do that through the videos in this guide: https://simmons.libguides.com/libresearch

 

Essay #2: Discipline Research

In order to find the origin of your department at Simmons, you can browse and search the following places for information:

  • Simmons Archives Digital Collections and Newspapers
  • Speaking to your professor(s) about what they know
    • Make sure you have a specific list of questions
    • Collaborate with others in your department so that you can eliminate the need for your professors to answer the same questions twice
    • Email is probably best for them, but ask what their preference is for answering questions

For newsworthy departmental history, you can search the Boston Globe using the two distinct databases below:

Search both databases to make sure you get a historical and more recent view of your department's activities. Will there definitely be results? No guaranteed results, but you can use good keywords to get the most relevant information. These may include "Simmons University" or "Simmons College" (the name change happened in the last couple of years!), and your department's name. Try prominent professors, programs, etc, for more options. 

Screenshot of a search in Boston Globe Historical

 

What is a primary source?

A primary source is an item that was created at the time of the described event, or by the person who experienced it. Examples include letters, images, documentaries, memoirs/autobiographies, and more. Newspapers can sometimes be primary sources as well. 

Do I need them for my essay?

They can be very helpful in giving you a first-hand look into the development of your department. It's possible that you won't find anything related to your topic, but it's worth a look!

Okay, you convinced me. How do I find them?

You can look at the resources in the first tab of this box, under History @Simmons, as well as some links below. Try searching for the name of your department, famous alums, or other people associated with your department through history. 

What is a secondary source?

Secondary sources include books that aren't memoirs, articles, websites, reference materials, and other kinds of papers or reports.

Why do I need them?

You can often find information on the history of your field in general, which will give you context for your essay, and for your research on the history of your field at Simmons.