Instruction
Citations: Use in-text citation and include a list of references for any sources that you use. Please include a works cited or references page (depending on the citation style used: MLA or APA). Use the style most commonly required in your major, which for most is APA.
Purpose: The main purpose of this assignment is to create an interesting, authentic, well-organized, and well-written reaction paper on the topic you chose from the assignment prompt (#1, #2, or #3).
Audience: Consider your audience a general reading public: People who enjoy reading as a practice and are eager to think about complex topics; who think critically. Also consider your audience to be composed of people with varying levels of interest in the subject of your essay: Try to engage a wide variety of readers.
Point of view: Third person and first person; please do not use the second person (you) in this report.
Length: 3 to 5 pages (double-spaced, size 12 font, MLA or APA style). Write at least 3 full pages of text, with the list of references not counting toward the 3 pages requirement.
Grading: The piece will be graded on the overall writing quality, including higher-order concerns (clarity, organization, originality, accuracy of ideas, reflection of the readings, etc) and lower-order concerns (diction, style, grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, delivery). The most effective essays will have a clear purpose and thesis, and originality of thought - which, again, are what I call “higher-order concerns” in writing. The requirement to explicitly address the prompt, and use the required readings, will also be considered in the overall grade.
Teacher Expectations: It is the expectation of the teacher that essays will be original in thought, and that students will put in several hours of work each week until the final draft is completed. It is expected that students will study all of the sources in Unit 3, complete assignments in Unit 3, and do independent research on their chosen topic. It is also expected that students will not plagiarize material, the penalty for which (in the most egregious cases) is a failing course grade and potentially further penalties from the university. When doing independent research, it is expected that students will use trusted and reliable sources and refereed websites (.gov, .edu, .org). Finally, it is expected that students will utilize available resources (as needed) such as the Writing Center or other tutoring services.