University of California Irvine Introduction to Race and Ethnicity Paper

In your answers, draw upon relevant observations or insights from the assigned or optional readings (particularly the McClain et al article, and Chapter 8 of the textbook) and the lectures.

Define racial identity. Identify at least one person or set of people (i.e. family, teachers, friends, celebrities, political figures, etc.) who have had an important influence on your own racial identity. Describe how and why they have influenced your racial identity.

Identify at least one event or experience you have encountered or witnessed that has had an important influence on your own racial identity. This can be something you have personally undergone, or a public event (i.e. an election or a racial controversy in the news). Describe how and why that event/experience has influenced your racial identity.

[NOTE: If you feel that you do not possess a strong racial identity—as opposed to a national, cultural, religious identity, etc.—make that the focal point of your personal reflection. Why is it that you do not have a strong racial identity? How have people and events in your life shaped that absence of a strong racial identity?]

Formatting

• Maximum of 500 words, double spaced, Times New Roman 12 point font.
• Please upload your submission in .doc or Google doc format. Please NO .pages or PDF files.
• Use parenthetical citations and include a works cited page. MLA or APA style. Works cited page does NOT count toward the maximum word limit.
• Cite at least 1 This source can be an assigned reading OR something from outside the course that you find on your own. Follow the same citation guidelines laid out for Application Paper #1
• You can use the questions as sub-headings for the paper.

Scoring Guide (15 points):

• 4 pts for defining racial identity
• 4 pts for identifying a specific person/set of people and describing their influence on your racial identity.
• 4 pts for identifying a specific experience/event and describing its influence on your racial identity.
• 3 pts for discretionary points for following formatting and proper grammar rules, and overall quality of writing