Public Event Paper American Government

Fall 2017 American Government Professor Sweeney

Public Event Paper Due Tuesday, November 14th

Assignment Overview: The public event paper assignment requires you to go beyond your typical role as a student and step out as an ‘active citizen’ in the public realm. You will attend a ‘public meeting’ of an elected body or a political action/activity and write a 4-5-page response paper about the meeting/activity that you attended. Your paper should be proofread, have a title, be double spaced and written in your own words. Papers must be turned in during class in hard copy format. Late papers will lose half a letter grade for each class meeting late. Papers found to be plagiarized in part or in full will receive a grade of zero.

Instructions: Attend a ‘public meeting’ of an elected body or a political action/activity. Address the following in your paper:

a. Descriptive evaluation: Describe the meeting/activity that you attended. What did you see and hear? Did you participate? If yes, what did you do or say?

b. Personal reflection: What was your reaction to the meeting/activity? How did the event apply to you?

c. Analytical evaluation: Evaluate whether the meeting/activity that you attended exemplified ‘good governance.’? Why or why not? In other words, did the manner in which the event was conducted exemplify democratic values? Also consider in your evaluation whether or not your event supported or subverted American democracy.

There are many definitions of good governance and debate over what it entails. Overall, this concept relates to how public affairs are conducted. Good governance is characterized by participation, transparency, accountability, rule of law, effectiveness, and equity.

(Note – Your evaluation regarding the question of good governance should be the heart of your paper. Make sure to include a summary of your evaluation in the first paragraph of the paper - your thesis - and develop your evaluation in the body of the paper.)

d. Scan and include a copy of handouts of the meeting/ event if possible (e.g. agenda)

e. Attach the essay rubric to your paper

Appropriate meetings include........city council meetings, county commission meetings, state legislature meetings, public school board meetings, any court hearing, police ride along, any meeting that serves the function of “governance,” any political action in which you are you are participating

Fall 2017 American Government Professor Sweeney Place this sheet as the final page of your paper NOTE: Failure to include this page with response paper results in a loss of two (2) points under

organization Student _________________________________ Semester __________________

Grade A B C D

ORGANIZATION

10 points

Essay is easy to read due to clear organization. Main argument is clearly stated in first paragraph with substantiating points organized in body paragraphs. Essay has a robust conclusion paragraph.

Essay is organized with main argument stated early in the paper. Substantiating points are less clearly organized. Essay has a conclusion paragraph.

A better method of organization is necessary. Essay may lack introduction, body and conclusion paragraphs.

Essay shows no method of organization. Very difficult to read.

LOGIC & REASONING

20 points

Essay is based on a clear, well defined thesis. For this assignment, your thesis will be your evaluation as to whether the event you attended was good governance (and why or why not?) Thesis is original and goes beyond the ideas in class. Essay shows a strong development of ideas and command of the conceptual and interpretive tasks of the assignment. Clear original interpretation of evidence; independent thinking; fresh ideas.

Essay is based on a clear thesis (evaluation regarding governance) that is well developed. Ideas are explained and developed. Shows a solid understanding of the text, ideas and the assignment. Some originality of thought; evidence explained and interpreted.

Essay is based on a thesis that is vague or irrelevant. Essay does not explicitly address the question of governance. Some evidence cited but not explained nor connected to the thesis. Relies on summarizing. Shallow analysis. Ideas are obvious from the reading.

Essay does not possess a discernable thesis. No explanation or interpretation. Writer's viewpoint is unclear. Little or no development. Vaguest generalizations and misinformation.

CONTENT

15 points

The essay includes detailed description of the event and well developed discussion that supports your thesis. Writing is specific and concrete. Introduction and conclusion are interesting and balanced. Title is original and conveys interpretation.

Description and explanation of thesis is less detailed, specific and developed; Title clearly signifies your interpretation

Some information is missing. Some errors of fact, but shows an overall understanding of the assignment. Discussion in essay is not enough support for thesis. Title copied from sources or assignment sheet.

Little or no specific discussion related to the assignment. Unrelated, unclear title or no title

STYLE & MECHANICS

10 points

Essay exhibits correct spelling. Sophisticated sentences, chooses words aptly, and observes all the conventions of English grammar.

Essay contains a good command of English with occasional stylistic or grammar problems.

Essay contains a tendency toward wordiness, unclear or awkward sentences, imprecise use of words and grammatical errors.

Major grammatical problems; Incomplete sentences and confusing or unclear writing.

OVERALL IMPACT

5 points

The paper demonstrates well the student’s skills, abilities, and knowledge. Above average in meeting or exceeds College level expectation of quality and effort.

The paper helps to demonstrate the student’s skills, abilities. Meets College level expectation of quality and effort.

The paper does little to demonstrate the student’s skills, abilities, and knowledge. Not really sufficient college level quality.

The paper does not demonstrate the student’s skills, abilities, and knowledge. Not sufficient college level quality.

TOTAL POINTS ____________/ 60________ Source: Rand Jimerson, WWU and University of California, Irvine, Humanities Core Pro