The major assignment will involve framing a research question from the weekly topics and reading. All assignments will be expected to demonstrate a familiarity with key arguments, concepts and material from the reading list, argue a case, analyses, and evaluate. Case studies can be used. Papers must be well structured, written clearly, describe and show evidence of critical thought and a familiarity with key themes. Papers must be referenced using the Harvard style
Topic
Explain clearly what your topic is and set out the scope and purpose of the essay.
Your topic may focus on one or more subject areas discussed, or a particular aspect of a subject area: it may be theoretical, conceptual or apply theoretical and conceptual positions to an analysis of a practical or topical concern.
Your topic should not be too broad in scope, yet should allow you to develop a position and justify this position.
Evidence of reading
Demonstrate familiarity with key arguments, concepts and material, particularly through the use of supporting material including readings and additional readings and through independent research.
Arguments
Make clear your overall position- outline what you want to show. Develop arguments which support this position, usually one main argument for each paragraph. Draw conclusions from supporting evidence, sources and arguments. Develop clear essay structure including introduction, middle argument and a conclusion.
It is more important that you show evidence of critical thought, drawing from and analyzing source material. Do not describe, but analyze, develop arguments, move towards conclusions and justify your position through analysis, argument, evidence and sources.
Presentation
Your paper must be appropriately referenced in text and reference list at the end in Harvard style. Attention to be paid to grammar and spellings.
1. A clearly defined and relevant essay focus.
• Topic area is grounded in one or several weekly study areas outlined in the reading guide.
• Essay question or title developed that clearly sets the scope and purpose of the essay.
• Essay text (particularly introduction) makes clear the topic, issues being discussed, and the purpose of each issue.
2. Demonstrate familiarity with key arguments, concepts and material, through use of supporting material.
• Effective use of weekly readings and additional readings.
• Relevant independent research.
3. Sound arguments and conclusions presented.
• Arguments address the defined essay purpose.
• Arguments supported by evidence and sources, and analysis of evidence and sources.
• Arguments show evidence of critical thought, and draw on, and analyse the critical thought in source material.
• Conclusions flow from arguments presented.
4. Well structured, clearly written, and appropriately referenced.
• Clear essay structure, with logical flow of ideas.
• Clear written expression.
• Appropriately referenced, preferably using the Harvard style.
Assignment Criteria
1. Demonstration of understanding the key concepts that have been presented in the literature.
2. Extent to which the work is analytical, drawing on principles, theories and debates derived from the literature, and/or evidence, and engagement with that literature (ie not purely descriptive);
3. Use of a clear and logical essay format with a recognizable structure including introduction, middle argumentative section and a conclusion;
4. Use of a range of literature sources, evidence and examples to support statements or claims;
5. Demonstration of clarity of expression (well formulated sentences and paragraphs, appropriate spelling and grammar);
6. Use of the Harvard referencing system which clearly identifies the sources used in the analysis.
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