Part 2. Long essay on “immigrant / minority” distinction as organizing motif for multicultural literature

Links below are to complete or nearly complete examples of successful submissions to the long essay assignment. The links are formed by either the essays' titles or their first sentences. All of the following samples are outstanding or interesting in some way, but they are organized roughly in descending order of quality, with the usual judgment calls that are necessary when distinguishing among good entries. Samples with ellipses ( . . . ) indicate partial or abridged selections. Authors are identified by initials within brackets at the ends of selections.

(copy of midterm exam 2006)

Because America was, in a sense, built by immigrants, the stories of those immigrants provide a logical place to start when studying the literature of America. [BF]

Themes and Variations on the Immigrant Story [JC]

American Immigrant Literature has expanded my perception of American history and culture. [PJ]

Throughout history the American public has been told that millions of people from various cultures immigrated to America seeking the “American Dream.” [JO'G]

When I first signed up for the Immigrant Literature course, I thought I probably knew about everything that would be included during the semester. [JLS]

American Immigrant Literature is a necessary part of the education of Americans. [TC]

There are three types of narratives we have discussed, at length, so far in this class. [DG]

Minorities and Immigrants [RO]

I must admit, when I signed up for this course, I was not at all thrilled. [ML]

The immigrant and minority narrative can be compared and contrasted in many ways. [CA]

Minority - Immigrant: The Narratives and Their Weavings [MC]

excerpt: upbeat conclusion from [JH]