Why McDonald's should be included in the museum exhibit

Your task is to explain why McDonald’s should be included in the exhibit. In order to do so, you must describe your proposed exhibit addition, analyze its historical relevance, and explain why its inclusion in the museum would instruct visitors in the larger themes of history of US consumer culture. This is NOT a research paper. This is an argumentative essay. Convince us! You must have an argument that persuades

 

Includes 3 primary sources(magazines, advertising archives, etc.)and 3 scholarly secondary sources (reputable and academic sources ie: no blogs or Wikipedia-type websites).

 

Consider questions such as the following:

• how gender roles are shaped by consumer culture


• how consumer objects define an individual's identity


• how marketing strategies sell consumer goods


• how consumer goods were used in the home


• the relationship between work and consumption


• the values and beliefs Americans have associated with consumption


• how consumption affects the environment


• how Americans have used consumer goods to define their social status

 

** Criteria for Evaluation **

1. Quality of your research and analysis of artifact(s).


2. Development of a clear, analytical thesis that is supported with evidence. Did you integrate information from primary and secondary sources?


3. Quality of your argument: are your conclusions substantive and do they follow logically from your analysis? Did you place your artifact/person/etc. into a larger contextual and historical framework?


4. Quality of your writing: did you express your ideas clearly and in an organized manner? Is your writing technically correct (correct grammar, syntax, spelling, etc.)? (pro tip: Visit the Writing Center for help with editing and revising.)

Formatting:

1. Be sure to cite fully. Use endnotes ONLY. (No parenthetical citations or footnotes.) Use Chicago Style.


2. Use 1-inch margins on each side and 12-point font (Times New Roman), double-spaced.


3. Number your pages.


4. DO NOT use the first person. This is an analytical essay. Your feelings and beliefs have no place in this assignment. You should write in declarative statements using supporting evidence drawn from historical sources.


5. If you mention a person, be sure to introduce him/her to establish relevance.


6. Practice good rhetorical skills. Avoid the passive voice at all costs! Do not begin sentences with these phrases: There were or There was. Both of these writing styles suggest weak argumentation and an inability to consider strong verbs, and are really, really boring to read.


7. Avoid excessive quotations. Using direct quotes undermines your argumentation and leaves the reader feeling that you have nothing to say. Better to paraphrase and cite. If you must quote, try to keep it short (about 10 words) and be sure to analyze the quote. Never use a quotation as a substitute for your own words.