from ENGL110 – Winter 2021 - For a general section themed around racial identity -- Brett Seekford 

IDENTITY MAP

            In constructing your personal “identity map,” you should take a creative approach but with a deliberate mindset. Following up on the Identity Script, this assignment asks that you visually illustrate through technological means the relationship between at least four aspects of your identity. In doing so, you are evincing the idea of “intersectionality,” or the idea that the components of our identities inform each other and shape our access to power in society. Therefore, with your map, you should show the ways that certain categories of your identity map onto each other.

            Like the Identity Script, it is not necessary for you to strictly adhere to concepts traditionally associated with the notion of identity, such as race, gender, or class. You could, for example, explore the intersections of your race, status as a student, history as a basketball player, and mental health. There is also no one foolproof strategy for mapping out these relationships. On the one hand, you could use this space to focus on the effects of other factors on one aspect of your identity, possibly building on the topic of your Identity Script. Alternatively, you may choose to show the overlap of all categories without a primary focus on one of them. Above all, though, your map should have an implicit argument about the relationship that you’re drawing in terms of your identity. Akin to an infographic, your reader should be able to infer the argument undergirding your map.

            This assignment should prove creative but challenging. As such, you are welcome to use any technological platform that you deem most useful for constructing this map. However, it may be most useful to stick with Microsoft Word due to our general familiarity with it, using the tools available under the Insert (shapes, arrows, textboxes), Draw, or Design (titles, page colors) tabs. If you choose to use a platform other than Word, please let me know at least one week before you submit your map. Again, though, another type of digital technology may be more beneficial, and as long as you notify me of your decision to use this alternative, you should be fine.

EXPLANATORY ESSAY

            While the first page of your submission should contain the map, the second page must feature a brief essay explaining the choices you made in constructing this visual. The paper should run at least one full, single-spaced page in length and be split up into multiple paragraphs. Your explanatory piece does not have to be as formal as your other essays (i.e., MLA format not required); however, it should still be cohesive and focused.

            In your explanation, you should reveal what went into your thinking when drafting this map. Detail the reason for choosing the four aspects at the core of the map and how you envision the relationship between each category of your identity. Most importantly, make clear what underlying argument you hope this map advances, including how you believe your illustration supports that central claim.

No outside research is required for this assignment, although you may want to consult some sources to help you critically think about your experiences. Please submit your map and explanatory essay in one document when completed.

15 points

Length:  2 full pages (One page containing the map and another containing the one-page explanatory essay.)

Assignment Due:  Friday, January 29^th (via Canvas)