need help
songsonghan
ExplanatoryPaperInstructionsSlides1.pptxExplanatory Paper Slides
Explanatory Paper #1 (Due 10/29; ~4 pages)
Write the paper as one coherent explanation, not as a series of answers.
Begin with an introductory paragraph that provides a simple definition of the term and then previews how you will explain what it is and its significance.
Be sure to relate these to the class themes of American democracy and not just describe them in the abstract.
Explanatory Paper #1
Define a topic and explain its significance:
What is it? Define it.
Who played a/the significant role in it?
When did it occur? Where did it occur? (How does its timing or location matter? if it does. Often it doesn’t!)
How does or did it work?
Why did it happen? Why is it important? (for understanding the course concepts and materials).
…..and any other aspect of the concept that is important for understanding why it is important for the study of American democracy.
Go read “Explainer Paper Tips”
Under files on Canvas
Also these slides are posted there as well
Paper #1 Topics
Declaration of Independence
Republicanism
Republic (vs. Democracy)
Judicial power
Electoral College
Explanatory Paper #1 (Due 10/29; ~4 pages)
3. Be sure to relate these to the class themes of American democracy and not just describe them in the abstract.
For instance: if you write about the Electoral College or “the judicial power” you will want to talk about why these are problematic for democratic government.
Dahl, for instance, talks about these institutions and why they are problematic.
Also, in the next few days I will provide some additional readings on some of these topics to help provide further background (e.g., The Privy Council)
Explanatory Paper #1: Tips
All papers should address:
What?
Define the topic in a way that makes clear what it is or does. Part of explaining what is is to make clear what is important about the topic. That means you should address why it matters. Often this is accomplished by describing what the consequences or implications of the topic or subject is.
Why?
why does the topic matter? (one way to think about this is to ask yourself “why is this included as an important course topic?”); and Why did this event or thing (i.e., topic) occur?
How?
What is the process by which this thing or event occurs or occurred? What causes or caused it? How does it work? If an event, what caused what to happen? In addressing, think about why does how it works matter for American democracy, Congress, congressional elections, or other major course themes or topics?
Several other questions will/may be helpful in explaining this topic. Though not all are likely appropriate for each topic.
Who?
Who is this person or who is the person or people responsible for this subject/topic, who invented it? Or perhaps it will require identifying who was involved in creating or changing it?
Where?
Where did the topic occur and/or what areas did it affect? Were there repercussions from the areas that were affected?
When?
When did the topic or occur or when did it become important? If relevant make clear why it occurred when it did. Did the timing have consequences for its relevance or importance? Did the timing occur because of some other factor? If so be sure to explain why.
Explanatory Paper #1 (due 4/21; ~2-3 pages)
You may want to do some outside research to ensure you understand which of the “sub questions” are relevant to the topic. If you do so, simply cite your sources.
Papers will be graded on the extent to which you explain the concept, its key elements, and particularly its importance, as well as on the clarity of the explanation.
Collaboration is allowed, however, you must submit your own work. This means that you are welcome to speak to other students in order to ensure that your answers are complete, clear, and coherent. But you are not allowed to simply take the ideas or language from others.
For every paper you are assigned, professors and TAs will grade based on a rubric!
That is, they will use a system to ensure that students understand the key concepts and that they grade consistently across students and answers.
Grading: How to Level-Up!
What a Sample Answer Key Looks Like
| Who | What | When | Where | Why | How | |
| Salutary Neglect | The British monarchs. Ended by George the 3rd but observed by those that preceded him. | Policy of British Crown of largely ignoring the colonies allowing them tremendous freedom to live largely without undo interference by the crown, (particularly taxes on trade.) Creates massive backlash among colonists. | Changes in 1763 following the 7 year (French and Indian war). | The Crown incurred tremendous financial losses in the war and gained new territory to defend. King George III saw the colonies were undergoing a massive economic and population boom and so he stops ignoring the colonies and pays close attention to them. | Imposes a series of taxes and where they could settle and where the Crown had to defend and enforced new taxes and living boundaries to exploit the financial growth in the colonies and costs of defense. |
A Sample Grade Rubric
| Section | Requirements |
| Thesis (15 pts) | Do they directly answer the question: And provide a preview of their explanation? |
| Course materials (20 points) | Do they show an understanding of course readings, lectures and other materials related to their topic? |
| Comprehension I (40 Pts) #1-up to 15 points #2-up to 20 points #3-up to 15 points | Overall, do they understand the concept. Do they: show an understanding of, or explain each of: What the topic is? Why the topic matters for American politics, democracy or elections? How the topic works? |
| Comprehension Part II (10 points) (if appropriate) | Do they address: Who the key actors are related to the topic? Where the thing occurs or what areas are effected? The role time plays: When did it occur or why does the timing matter? |
| Format and Writing Style (15 pts) | Do they write a coherent essay and not just list responses? Is the topic explained well and clearly? Spelling, Grammar, or other problematic issues? Works cited page, Consistent formatting |
| Late Papers | Not accepted without excuse. 3 Point Penalty Per Day Late when allowed. |
Your TA will ask you if you plan to write paper #1.
If so, you must present your paper to a group of peers in section the week before they are due.
TAs will assign all students to groups of 4-5 students where everyone either presents a different topic or is not presenting.
Those who are writing will make a 3-5 minute (no longer) presentation to the group.
The other group members will then ask clarifying questions (about the who, what, where, when, why, and why important) to provide feedback so that the presenter can improve their paper.
Everyone must attend unless sick
Paper #1 Section Responsibility
