Assignment: Final Essay
Objective: Students choose a song and develop a research-supported argument related to its themes.
Song Choices:
J. Cole – “Lost Ones” video link
Instrumentality – “Lord Release” video link
Link to genius.com for lyrics!
Prompt (Choose ONE song. Choose One Topic per Song. Or Make a Topic of your Own; however, it must be improved by me no later than 7/10):
J. Cole – “Lost Ones”
Should the teenage couple have the child or seek an abortion?
Do children develop better in traditional nuclear families or in single-parent households?
Should people with high ACEs have children?
Instrumentality – “Lord Release”
Is underground hustling the only viable path for some low-income families?
Do the risks of illegal economies outweigh the benefits for survival?
How do ACEs push fathers toward incarceration or street life?
Requirements:
Clear thesis statement
At least 2 academic sources (including the ACEs journal - pdf below)
Incorporate lyrical evidence from the chosen song
Note on AI Tools
You are allowed to use AI tools such as ChatGPT to assist with proofreading, brainstorming, and analyzing your writing, much like you would use spellcheck or Grammarly. However, AI cannot replace your own original thoughts, personal reflections, or arguments. It is your partner, not your ghostwriter. Essays must reflect your lived experience, your voice, and your critical thinking. Any student submitting fully AI-generated content will receive a zero and a conference with the instructor.
