First Assignment, Fall 2015

Find a recent (since January 2013) speech or document (e.g., court decision) that discusses the Declaration of Independence.  Follow Danielle Allen's example and do a "slow read."    With close attention to word choice, analyze the purpose of this speech or document.  That is, who is saying what to whom, and with what motive? Carefully explain the reference to the Declaration.  Why is it there?  Is it accurate?

Here are some sites where you can find speeches and documents:

• http://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/lnacademic/ (Click “Search the News” then “Broadcast Transcripts”)
• http://congressional.proquest.com/congressional/search/basic/basicsearch -- click"advanced search," then under "document types" deselect everything except Congressional Record Daily Edition.
• http://www.whitehouse.gov
• http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/ (scroll down for search boxes)
• http://www.supremecourt.gov
• http://www.c-span.org/

Instructions:

• Document your claims. Do not write from the top of your head.  
• Essays should be typed, double-spaced, and no more than three pages long. I will not read past the third page. 
• Cite your sources with endnotes in Chicago/Turabian style. Endnote pages do not count against the page limit. 
• Watch your spelling, grammar, diction, and punctuation. Errors will count against you. 
• Turn in essays to the class Sakai dropbox by 11:59 PM, Friday, September 25. Late essays will drop a gradepoint for one day’s lateness, a full letter grade after that. I will grant no extensions except for illness or emergency.