Assignment Overview
"Big Tech," Big Government," and "Big Pharma" are all relatively new terms, yet they are terms that are also quite common these days. People everywhere generally know what such terms mean, and most people can also provide a certain degree of insight into what the implications are of such terms. Of course, the term "mass media" came about long before these, so the concept--at least as it pertains to media--has been developing for some time. While these are a few of the most common "big" terms being used out there, the areas of technology, pharmaceuticals, and even government are not alone in how they are included in being considered "big" entities; indeed, there are many more industries and organizations that are likewise experiencing the same phenomenon.
Whether consciously or subconsciously, directly or indirectly, a belief in the old saying that "bigger is better" is what appears to drive those who push for such expansion. There must be a belief in the idea that betterment comes by enlargement, or why else would it be happening? Others see such growth as highly detrimental. So, a critical thinker should be asking questions such as: Is bigger better? Why or how is this level of expansion occurring? Who wins and who loses with massive expansion? What drives a shift from smaller to larger? Is expansion like this an example of globalization? What are the Constitutional ramifications of such forms of expansion in the United States? . . .
In this first essay assignment for our English 1302 class (an advanced composition class), you are asked to write a focused, well-organized, and persuasive essay that ultimately answers this question of whether or not bigger is indeed better as it applies specifically and thoroughly to a very particular context, industry, or organization. The subject you select may or may not already have the word "big" attached to it, but this is not a necessary requirement for a good topic. You are certainly free to use one of the three areas named in the opening paragraph above or from one of the three below, since much has been said/written about all six of them.
Here are a few other terms to consider:
- "Big Ag" (agriculture)
- "Big Data" (similar to big tech, but still different)
- "Big Oil"
What you do NOT want to do in this assignment is write a broad, generic, or vague discussion. Rather, this essay needs to be driven by a focused and opinionated thesis statement that critically examines the concept of big (versus small or manageable). This essay must NOT be merely informative; it cannot just describe what occurred, or is occurring, as it must be an essay aimed at persuading your reader to see things as you see them. Hence, this essay must be full of strong, supported opinions and critical insights!
The Specifics:
6 pages (not including Works Cited page)
MLA Format (see the several videos in Media Gallery on correct MLA formatting or reference any one of the many online references or guides for formatting an essay in MLA). NOTE: Since this is English 1302, essays that are not formatted correctly will not be accepted.
3-4 sources Sources must NOT be from .com domains, especially not Wikipedia (acceptable domains are .org, .edu, and .gov). IDEALLY, sources for college essays should be ARTICLES derived PRIMARILY from scholarly JOURNALS, also called "peer-reviewed" journals, that are only obtainable through the HCC Library (OF which you have full access through the fees you pay as an HCC student). NOTE: Source material is intended to support what you say, not dominate the essay. Therefore, quoted/cited words in the essay cannot exceed roughly 20% of all words total (essays with exceedingly high percentages of words will lose a significant number of points before they are even read).
- Word Document Submission (in Canvas only; no email attachments accepted)
Please give your essay a unique title that concisely reflects your focus and/or thesis direction. Do NOT title your essay "Is Bigger Better?" since that is the title of the assignment--not your unique essay response to it.
Sample Solution