Interview paper

For this assignment, you will select a topic, conduct an interview, craft an argument, and support that argument in a 5-7 page paper. Your paper’s topic should concern the period between August 1945 (the dropping of the atomic bombs on Japan) and 1962 (when The Feminine Mystique was published) and relate in some way to the themes of this course.

The core of this assignment is an interview you will conduct with someone who lived through the 1950s and who can remember that decade. You can interview your subject in person, by phone, or by using internet technologies such as IM and e-mail.

We will talk in class about how to select a topic and conduct an interview.

Please note:

This is an essay. You will need to have an introduction, a thesis, several well-organized paragraphs, and a conclusion.

You must integrate class sources and/or conduct library research. Library research is required only if you do not use a significant amount of course material.

You have considerable freedom with this project, and thus an opportunity to make this paper a truly excellent piece of your own critical and creative work. If done well, it could function as a writing sample for graduate school or for job applications. Accordingly, pick a topic and interview subject that interest you and about which you believe you can make a compelling argument.

If you need assistance, I’m here to help. I will not read entire paper drafts, but I am happy to discuss your paper’s argument, an outline, or a particularly troublesome paragraph or two.

Other requirements:
• 5-7 pages, double-spaced
• 12-point Times New Roman

Due date: You may write this paper as either your first or second assignment for this class. If it’s your first assignment, turn it in no later than Friday, November 3. If it’s your second assignment, it is due on Monday, November 27.