Dina seems to struggle with her economic class, her race, and her sexuality in the story
“Drinking Coffee Elsewhere.” Because all of these elements affect her identity, she
seems to have trouble figuring out how to be her “authentic self.” In the sources you
have viewed and read in this module, the authors have discussed the concept of “single
story,” and stereotypes. Before drafting the essay, think about the following ideas:
Review and Consider the Identity Sources:
In ZZ Packer’s “Drinking Coffee Elsewhere,” Dina struggles to figure out how to be her
authentic self. In Chimamanda Adichie’s TEDTalk, she discusses the dangers of
stereotypes and what she calls “single stories” that are perpetuated by groups of
people. Mariam Thalos discusses the connection between identity and freedom and
claims that freedom is the result of self-conceptual acts that often defy social norms and
oppressive systems. Nicolas Geeraert points out that the origins of psychology focus
primarily on Western culture, and calls for a cross-cultural approach that examines the
effects of culture on the shaping of our mental processes. Annie Paul writes about
unconscious bias and explains why people create stereotypes. Claude Steele discusses
the term “stereotype threat” which affects individuals who are members of stereotyped
groups and cultures.
Review and Consider the Identity Essential Questions:
What is the impact of an individual’s culture and identity on their position in
society?
Does the opportunity for freedom exist for all cultures and identities, or is the
opportunity more limited for some cultures and identities?
Do stereotypes about communities or cultures affect our freedom to cultivate an
authentic personal identity?
Writing Prompt
In “Drinking Coffee Elsewhere,” Dina is having an identity crisis. Consider
unconscious stereotype and single story, as discussed in Identity sources.
Which stereotypes about her culture or community affect Dina’s
freedom to be her “authentic self?” Write a 5-7 paragraph essay to
answer this question.
“Drinking Coffee Elsewhere.” Because all of these elements affect her identity, she
seems to have trouble figuring out how to be her “authentic self.” In the sources you
have viewed and read in this module, the authors have discussed the concept of “single
story,” and stereotypes. Before drafting the essay, think about the following ideas:
Review and Consider the Identity Sources:
In ZZ Packer’s “Drinking Coffee Elsewhere,” Dina struggles to figure out how to be her
authentic self. In Chimamanda Adichie’s TEDTalk, she discusses the dangers of
stereotypes and what she calls “single stories” that are perpetuated by groups of
people. Mariam Thalos discusses the connection between identity and freedom and
claims that freedom is the result of self-conceptual acts that often defy social norms and
oppressive systems. Nicolas Geeraert points out that the origins of psychology focus
primarily on Western culture, and calls for a cross-cultural approach that examines the
effects of culture on the shaping of our mental processes. Annie Paul writes about
unconscious bias and explains why people create stereotypes. Claude Steele discusses
the term “stereotype threat” which affects individuals who are members of stereotyped
groups and cultures.
Review and Consider the Identity Essential Questions:
What is the impact of an individual’s culture and identity on their position in
society?
Does the opportunity for freedom exist for all cultures and identities, or is the
opportunity more limited for some cultures and identities?
Do stereotypes about communities or cultures affect our freedom to cultivate an
authentic personal identity?
Writing Prompt
In “Drinking Coffee Elsewhere,” Dina is having an identity crisis. Consider
unconscious stereotype and single story, as discussed in Identity sources.
Which stereotypes about her culture or community affect Dina’s
freedom to be her “authentic self?” Write a 5-7 paragraph essay to
answer this question.
Paragraph Planner
*In your opening, identify the title and author of the anchor text, “Drinking Coffee.”
Identify which stereotypes or other module concepts affect her freedom to be herself.
Use key terms from the module, and identify THREE FACTORS that affect her freedom
to be herself
*In your body paragraphs, cite from the anchor text, “Drinking Coffee Elsewhere.”
Additionally, cite from at least ONE assigned video and TWO other assigned, written
sources. Use notes from the course web links to correctly cite and integrate your
sources using MLA documentation
*In your conclusion, discuss what we can do to overcome stereotype threat and single
storying in our country
*Throughout, summarize and cite key definitions (single stories, stereotype threat,
unconscious bias, etc.) when they are used in your paragraphs
*Use “Drinking Coffee” as your main source; Incorporate at least three sources from
the module to support your argument (One video source and Two written sources, as
summarized above)
Other Criteria
Audience: Write for an audience that is not in this class. That means you’ll need to
spend some time summarizing key ideas, defining any terms that might be unfamiliar,
choosing short quotes from the reading selections to help your reader get a sense of the
authors’ arguments.
Length: 5-7 paragraphs (750-1000) words
Requirements:
Include an original title (not “Module Two Essay” or “Identity Essay”)
Use MLA Style to format your essay
Compose a thesis statement that directly addresses the essay question
Organize the essay so that each body paragraph provides support for your
thesis; make sure each body paragraph contains a CLEAR TOPIC
SENTENCE with KEY WORDS from your thesis
Source requirements: Cite all sources using MLA style in-text citations
o Base your essay on the main character, Dina, in Drinking
Coffee Elsewhere- This is your anchor source
*In your opening, identify the title and author of the anchor text, “Drinking Coffee.”
Identify which stereotypes or other module concepts affect her freedom to be herself.
Use key terms from the module, and identify THREE FACTORS that affect her freedom
to be herself
*In your body paragraphs, cite from the anchor text, “Drinking Coffee Elsewhere.”
Additionally, cite from at least ONE assigned video and TWO other assigned, written
sources. Use notes from the course web links to correctly cite and integrate your
sources using MLA documentation
*In your conclusion, discuss what we can do to overcome stereotype threat and single
storying in our country
*Throughout, summarize and cite key definitions (single stories, stereotype threat,
unconscious bias, etc.) when they are used in your paragraphs
*Use “Drinking Coffee” as your main source; Incorporate at least three sources from
the module to support your argument (One video source and Two written sources, as
summarized above)
Other Criteria
Audience: Write for an audience that is not in this class. That means you’ll need to
spend some time summarizing key ideas, defining any terms that might be unfamiliar,
choosing short quotes from the reading selections to help your reader get a sense of the
authors’ arguments.
Length: 5-7 paragraphs (750-1000) words
Requirements:
Include an original title (not “Module Two Essay” or “Identity Essay”)
Use MLA Style to format your essay
Compose a thesis statement that directly addresses the essay question
Organize the essay so that each body paragraph provides support for your
thesis; make sure each body paragraph contains a CLEAR TOPIC
SENTENCE with KEY WORDS from your thesis
Source requirements: Cite all sources using MLA style in-text citations
o Base your essay on the main character, Dina, in Drinking
Coffee Elsewhere- This is your anchor source
o In addition, Integrate at least ONE video source and TWO
other written sources from the module
o You will be citing a total of FOUR SOURCES (see the
criteria above)
Include an MLA style Works Cited page at the end of the essay (not included
in 3-4 pages of text); use www.easybib.com to cite help formulate your Works
Cited page
REVIEW THE ESSAY REQUIREMENTS RUBRIC BELOW BEFORE DRAFTING
YOUR ESSAY
Essay Requirements:
The opening paragraph contains the title and author of the story. It contains an
insightful thesis/main idea sentence that identifies Dina’s biggest issue. It does not
contain announcements, use of “ I” or “you.” It is typed and double-spaced in a Times
New Roman or similar font. It uses present tense verbs consistently to discuss the
story. 5 4 3 2 1
*The body paragraphs contain topic sentences with key words from the Thesis. Each
contains at least two cited passages from required, assigned sources. Student has used
correct MLA in-text format and integrated passages using context, as described in
LUMEN and other course notes
5 4 3 2 1
*The essay shows much effort, understanding, and insight. The language used is
academically appropriate. The paragraphs are cohesive, and the essay is logical and
coherent. In integrates and synthesizes crucial ideas from assigned texts
5 4 3 2 1
*The essay is relatively free of mechanical error and does not contain fragments or run-
on sentences, uses present tense verbs consistently, is interesting and engaging;
conclusion gives closure to the essay with relevant ideas
5 4 3 2 1
other written sources from the module
o You will be citing a total of FOUR SOURCES (see the
criteria above)
Include an MLA style Works Cited page at the end of the essay (not included
in 3-4 pages of text); use www.easybib.com to cite help formulate your Works
Cited page
REVIEW THE ESSAY REQUIREMENTS RUBRIC BELOW BEFORE DRAFTING
YOUR ESSAY
Essay Requirements:
The opening paragraph contains the title and author of the story. It contains an
insightful thesis/main idea sentence that identifies Dina’s biggest issue. It does not
contain announcements, use of “ I” or “you.” It is typed and double-spaced in a Times
New Roman or similar font. It uses present tense verbs consistently to discuss the
story. 5 4 3 2 1
*The body paragraphs contain topic sentences with key words from the Thesis. Each
contains at least two cited passages from required, assigned sources. Student has used
correct MLA in-text format and integrated passages using context, as described in
LUMEN and other course notes
5 4 3 2 1
*The essay shows much effort, understanding, and insight. The language used is
academically appropriate. The paragraphs are cohesive, and the essay is logical and
coherent. In integrates and synthesizes crucial ideas from assigned texts
5 4 3 2 1
*The essay is relatively free of mechanical error and does not contain fragments or run-
on sentences, uses present tense verbs consistently, is interesting and engaging;
conclusion gives closure to the essay with relevant ideas
5 4 3 2 1