essay

0812 Essay Assignment One

Overview

This assignment requires students to identify key arguments in a published text. It also requires students to create and defend an original analysis, and to use the conventions of academic writing.

Procedure

To complete this assignment, you must:

1) Reread the entire chapter “As Others See Us” by Rebekah Nathan, and choose one (1) topic to discuss in depth. Possible topics include:

a) Teaching and learning in US universities, as international students see them

b) Student social life in US universities, as international students see it

c) US students’ perspectives on other cultures, and how these perspectives affect international students

2) Conduct your own ethnographic observation on the Temple campus, focusing on your chosen topic, and type up your notes

3) Review your notes, as well as Nathan and other course readings on international student experiences, noting important similarities and differences

4) Write an essay that discusses Nathan’s arguments on your chosen topic, your own observations, and at least one other class source

Essay Content

Your essay must include:

1) An introductory paragraph that:

a) Briefly summarizes the entire chapter “As Others See Us” (2-4 sentences)

b) States how other sources and your own observations reflect on Nathan’s work. Do they support, partially support, or contradict her conclusions? Your answer to this question is your thesis statement, and it must also be brief (1-2 sentences).

2) Well-organized body paragraphs that include:

a) A full discussion of Nathan’s points about your chosen topic, including direct quotations

b) A clear and informative discussion of your own ethnographic observations, and how they relate to Nathan’s conclusions

c) Clear references to at least one other course reading on international student experiences

3) A conclusion paragraph that summarizes your own analysis, and gives a brief evaluation of Nathan’s chapter as a whole. Is her work completely valid, valid in some ways, or invalid?

Format Requirements

Your essay must:

1) Be typed, double-spaced, with one-inch margins (2.54 cm), and in a serif font like Times New Roman

2) Include an MLA-format header, informative title, and page numbers

3) Include parenthetical citations for quotations and paraphrases of other writers

4) Be at least 750 words long in the final draft

5) Be saved as an electronic file in .doc, .docx, .pdf, or .rtf format

Due Dates [also noted on Canvas Calendar and Canvas Assignments]

A. Ethnographic notes [at least 500 words] due on paper and on Canvas:

Section 004 (11am MW) January 30

Section 007 (2pm MW) January 30

Section 017 (11:40 TR) January 29

B. Draft One due on Canvas for in-class work in a computer lab:

Section 004 (11am MW) Feb. 11 in Anderson 022—go THROUGH Anderson 21. Door is at the bottom.

Section 007 (2pm MW) Feb. 11 in Anderson 103

Section 017 (11:40 TR) Feb. 5 in Anderson 022—go THROUGH Anderson 21. Door is at the bottom.

C. Sign up for Conference One on Canvas Calendar after 7 PM on Wednesday, February 13 [all sections]

D. Draft Two due on Canvas by 11:59 PM for Dorothy to read:

Section 004 (11am MW) Thursday, February 14

Section 007 (2pm MW) Thursday, February 14

Section 017 (11:40 TR) Friday, February 15

E. Conferences held on February 18 and 19—know your appointment time