Art glass window by Marion Mahony Griffin

Defining a Personal Feminism/Writing a Manifesta

2) Writing a Manifesta:

If you choose to write a manifesta, you will also want to begin with research. What is a manifesta? Find some examples of manifestas (or manifestos). One example is the SCUM manifesto, linked to our web site. Another famous example is the Communist Manifesto, by Karl Marx.

After you've done this preliminary research, which will make you aware of the conventions of this genre, you will need to work to identify the issues central to your political belief. Basically, what is the topic of your manifesta? (A manifesta for the rights of mothers (either parent?) to stay at home, regardless of family income? A manifesta arguing for access to health care?) Consider how and why the issues you explore are connected, both for you personally, and in the culture at large. Get a good handle on the issues you want to right about and undertake the necessary research so that you understand them.

The paper's content: (This could also help you organize your paper into sections)

  • What is a manifesto, what are historical examples of this genre, and what is the purpose of a manifesto?
  • Your own story. Why are you writing this manifesto and what work do you want it to do?
  • Your manifesto—what are your ideas and issues? How can you lay these out and make a convincing argument for your ideas?
  • Now, what is your call to action? What should people be inspired to do after reading your document? (How can you change lives? Do you bring a problem to public attention? Do you work to enact a political change? Remember, feminism is about action.)

Goals of this paper: Demonstrate

  • what you've discovered about what a manifesto is and how it is supposed to work.
  • your understanding of the complexity and inter-relatedness of political issues.
  • your understanding of the problems women face in our culture and the possibility for real solutions.
  • your willingness to stake out political ground and make a competent and coherent argument.

Grading Rubric:
 

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4

Engages your reader with an interesting, focused discussion of the topic:

  • Employs a clear thesis
  • Uses specific examples to elaborate on assertions
  • Contains interesting examples appropriate to the topic
  • Demonstrates understanding of material.
       

Organizes material carefully to help reader follow argument:

  • Forecasts organization of paper
  • Employs topic sentences to organize paragraphs
  • Uses transitions between paragraphs to help reader follow the logic of the argument
       

Uses language in ways that are easily understood, clear and concise, but interesting and engaging

       

Shows attention to proofing, editing:

  • No errors that show spell check wasn't run
  • Any errors do not impact the readers' understanding of the work
  • Errors are minor and do not interfere with writer's credibility
       

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Elizabeth Birmingham
Assistant Professor, Department of English
320J Minard Hall
North Dakota State University
Fargo, North Dakota 58105

Office: (701) 231-6587
e-mail: Elizabeth.Birmingham@ndsu.nodak.edu

Prospective students may schedule a visit by calling: 1-800-488-NDSU.

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