a. (Summary) What is the author’s argument and contribution?
b. (Your Own Analysis) Identify one key question, problem, or tension that has interested you the most. This, in effect, is your thesis. Explore this question/problem/tension at length in your paper. (How, for example, does the author’s stance intersect with and/or challenge your own experience or understanding?
c. (Significance/Implications) Why is the author’s position significant? Why should we care?
TIP: In most cases, subpoints a and b should be articulated in the very first paragraph of your reflection. The body of the essay (usually consisting of 2-3 paragraphs) will dive into an exploration of subpoint b (i.e. explain your one key question/tension/problem.) Subpoint c. can usually be addressed toward the end of the reflection. To add additional layers to your paper, consider addressing somewhere in the paper either or both of these two questions : i) In what way(s) does the author build upon previous contributions that we have studied? (What connections can you make to other resources in the class?) ii. What would a skeptic say about the key claim you are making in your paper, and how would you respond?
ALSO:
– At the end of the reflection, include a word count.
– Make sure that the paper has a header (name, date, class, etc.) and a title.
– Please use one of the following formats: .docx, .doc, or .pdf. (Please do not submit as a .gdoc file.)
When you are done with your essay, please do the following:
a) skip a line or two and reflect on the writing process itself. What are you most proud of? If you had more time, where would you concentrate further effort or what would you change? Was this a rush job? Did you take it to the Writing Center or have a trusted friend help you with it?
b) either copy-and-paste the attached “Paper Evaluation Rubric” into your document or re-attach it (per the following instructions) to your submission as a second document. Highlight 3-5 sentences or phrases that you think best captures your paper. At the end of the document, give me an honest assessment of what kind of grade you believe best captures your paper as a whole. I will post an example in the Content area of D2L.
