Paper Assignment

A word to the wise: start working on your paper.

Here are the paper criteria posted on the class website, plus some additional suggestions at the end.

First, let me reiterate what is stated in the syllabus. The purpose of this paper is to have you use your budding consciousness in the area of communication studies. Specifically, I want you to apply it to your everyday world. Rather than taking notes from books in the library (this is not a research paper), I want you to observe, analyze, and think critically about the world around you. You will be graded on how well you make and present an argument. Be sure to support your argument with specific and concrete facts, examples, and details from your own observations. You do not have to address all the different items mentioned in the prompt you have chosen as these are just suggestions for you to get at the basic topic. In fact, you might be spreading yourself too thin and your paper might lack coherence if you do attempt to cover them all. You also do not have to use concepts learned in class. Use these only if they help you make your argument. And you must write on one of the four topics presented.

Key criteria for paper grading:

1. Structure and coherence

Arguments are logical and orderly.

Arguments and points are not extraneous.

Each argument plays a clear role in establishing your overall position.

Is the paper coherently organized around a critically considered, original, and well-documented thesis? Is the thesis clearly presented and then well defended? Does everything seem to mesh with the thesis?  Are all the points clear? Are there careful transitions from one point to the next? Are all the points clearly presented, organized, and related to each other and to the thesis? Is the organization so clear that the reader knows at all times what the purpose is and how the writer intends to accomplish it?  

2. Analytic quality

The paper’s arguments are thorough, well made, and sound.

The paper (1) contains solid arguments in support of the position presented and (2) effectively anticipates and rebuts plausible counterarguments or objections to that position.

Does the paper demonstrate sustained critical thinking upon a clear thesis? Has the author paid attention to details? Does the paper reflect careful thought about the implications, ramifications, and complications presented by the argument? Does the author qualify his or her argument? Does the author rely upon unstated assumptions?  Does the student distinguish facts from hypotheses?

3. Use of observations

Detailed illustrations are (1) used liberally, (2) presented clearly, and (3) employed relevantly—all in ways that substantiate your argument.

Did the student OBSERVE and ANALYZE as he/she was supposed to for this assignment? Does the content seem to be accurate? Are all the points well supported with evidence? In other words, are the points factually grounded, with conclusions based on careful consideration of verifiable examples (quotes or observations and not hypothetical ruminations or unsubstantiated generalizations)? Does the author explain the significance of each example and integrate these into the overall argument? Are conclusions conclusively drawn?

4. Insight and originality

Is there originality in the paper? Is the argument unique in some way and is it interesting?

5. Compositional Quality

The paper lacks errors in grammar and usage.

The paper is well written; it is clear and its language is precise.

The paper shows signs of careful revision and of proofreading (no typos).

Is the paper well written? Is the writing clear and precise? Does the paper flow well? Are the sentences clear in meaning and so constructed as to contribute precisely and effectively to the writer's purpose? Does each paragraph contain one main point and do the paragraphs follow logically after one another? Is the choice of words exact, appropriate, and sensitive? Is the paper free of grammatical, spelling, syntactical, and typographic errors (an "A" paper should contain VERY few)?

Note that the classic way of effectively presenting an argument includes using a thesis statement, which is usually presented in the first paragraph. This is your basic argument boiled down in a sentence or two to its essence. If you cannot present your basic argument in a sentence or two, you probably do not yet have a clear and coherent thesis. This thesis statement should operate as the motor force driving your argument. After presenting your thesis, in subsequent paragraphs you should proceed to make your argument in an orderly, rational, systematic, and coherent manner, with every point relating back to your thesis statement. All of your points should be backed up/substantiated by real-life, concrete observations that you have gathered.

You will be graded on how well you make an argument. But there is something to be said for ambitiousness. A very simple argument well-made will not garner as many points as another well-made argument of more substance and complexity. But your argument should not be so ambitious and complex that you cannot do it justice in your limited number of pages.