The Assignment Students will individually write a comprehensive research essay addressing the Midterm Topic— “Gender Identity." The paper should include: 1. A discussion of key ideas from a minimum of 3 of the assigned readings for the topic and a minimum of 3 additional credible* related professional articles from your own research (your goal will be to make connections between the articles, which may include common and contrasting ideas); 2. Discussion of how the readings have impacted your own thinking about gender and teaching and curriculum; 3. An evaluation of your own acquisition of the knowledge and skills for the topic; and 4. An APA style reference page. Each paper should be referenced in APA style, typed, double-spaced, 1” margins and use 12 pt. font. * Credible sources are research-based; for example, peer-reviewed journals, textbooks, and websites that provide documented references. Opinion-based sites (no documentation) or sites aimed at selling products or promoting a singular agenda are unacceptable for academic writing. Important Reminders  This is a RESEARCH ESSAY -- consequently, your main objective is to support your ideas/opinions with the ideas of experts in the field as presented in professional literature.  Essays begin with a THESIS which UNIFIES your paper; a good thesis will preview topics you'll discuss within the body of the paper. Once you've constructed a good thesis, you've outlined the body: the topics listed in the thesis should be in the same order you'll discuss them in the paper -- in other words, the thesis organizes the paper.  Your paper should follow traditional essay formatting which includes an introduction, body (material addressing the prompters described below) and conclusion.  This is a formal paper -- your grade will be derived in part by your application of proper manuscript form and documentation in APA format (citations and reference list). Use your APA manual -- online info is often inaccurate.  Look up the following in the APA index (list based on frequent errors): 1. What needs documenting 2. Reference page and individual reference item formatting (a BIGGIE) 3. Manuscript form (title/ title page/ page numbering/ paragraphing, etc.) 4. Citation formatting for each kind of resource and for placement of author’s name, date, etc. (frequent error: major titles should be italicized rather than underlined)  You must use the ideas of the experts (both those we've read and some that you've found on your own) to back up your ideas -- your opinion isn't valuable without proof until you are a certified doctorate-carrying expert.