History 291.01: Sex and the City
First Essay Tips
February 12, 2013

1.  The first essay should identify the controversy or issue with which you are concerned and the terms on which the debate has waged.  Your particular focus should be on answering why this particular issue has emerged as a source of controversy.

2.  Your essay should include a strong thesis statement.  The essay, in other words, does not simply “describe” a controversy; instead, it will present an argument about that controversy.

3.  Pay close attention to your organizational strategy.  Your essay should not simple describe two sides of a debate, but rather should present clear evidence to support your argument in a way that makes sense to the reader.  I highly recommend outlining in advice.

4.  Leave time for revision.  Do not wait to draft your essay until the last minute.

5.  You should use a variety of primary and secondary sources to write your essay.  Of particular importance for this essay will be contemporary newspapers, magazines, and internet reporting, alongside any relevant secondary material (see the bibliography in the back of Hubbard’s book for suggestions).

6.  Cite all material you consult and reference.  Citations should follow either the notes or parenthetical citation methods described in Kate Turabian, A Manual for Writers (available at the research desk in the library) or The Chicago Manual of Style (available at the research desk or at http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/tools_citationguide.html).  Most historians follow the former, while sociologists follow the latter.  Practice the method most amenable to your own major.

7.  Conclude your essay by gesturing to the ways in which your particular area of focus relates to your larger group project and/or the historical dimension of the next essay assignment.

8.  Do not forget that your topic should, in some way, engage both the issue of sexuality and the city, not one or the other.

9.  Do not hesitate to see me with questions and/or drafts during office hours, but please do not wait until the last minute to make an appointment.

A strong essay will therefore include:

1.  A clear thesis statement

2.  A logical organization

3.  Clear and appropriate evidence to support the argument

4.  A thoughtful conclusion

5.  Proper citations

6.  No typographical or grammatical mistakes