Courses:

Ground Rules

This is an open book exercise. No additional research is required or expected - all of the necessary materials are included in the assigned readings and lectures. You must not, however, discuss the question or your answers with others.

The essay must be no more 1,500 words. You must include a word count at the top of your paper. Essays longer than 1,500 words will be penalized. Double space your answer and use a 12 point font. Use 1-inch margins on all sides.

The essay is due in session 16 at the beginning of class. Papers will not be accepted via email.

Late essays will be penalized. Papers received after class will be penalized 1/3 of a grade each day that the essay is late (e.g., a B will drop to a B-).

No extensions will be granted except in emergency situations (if you have to ask whether it's an emergency or not - it isn't).

You must acknowledge any direct quotations or the close paraphrasing of an author's words. There is no need to prepare a separate bibliography. Sources from the class can be cited as follows in either in the text or in footnotes - (author, date: p. x) or (lecture, 2/14).

Check List

• Put your name on the top of the first page
• Include a word count
• Use a spell checker
• Use page numbers
• Use a stapler

Some Pointers for Writing the Essay

• Read the question carefully - and make sure to answer it!
  
  
• Make an argument. State clearly what you think and why you think it. Summarize this argument briefly in the first or second paragraph of your paper. Everything else you write after that should be organized to help prove this argument.
  
  
• Support your argument with evidence from readings and the lectures. Arguments are not right or wrong - they are only weak or strong. You may not be able to address all the competing explanations for your question, but do not ignore important pieces of evidence or explanations that directly contradict your argument.
  
  
• Be original. A paper that simply agrees with one author completely does not demonstrate the same level of critical thinking as a paper that forwards a new argument, revises or extends an existing theory, or that attempts to synthesize the arguments of more than one author.
  
  
• Reread and revise. Second drafts are usually better than first drafts.

Good Luck!