SOCY - Race and Ethnicity - Writing Assignment

Writing Assignment #3 - Letter to the Editor maps to the following SOCY 423 learning outcomes (course objectives): apply key terminology appropriately to communicate effectively about ethnic and racial issues analyze current and historical events and their impact on ethnic minorities differentiate key social and political theories related to ethnic minorities in the United States use sociological tools, theories, and terminology to critically evaluate ethnic and racial issues

  This assignment involves examining an issue related to minorities and defending a position related to this event or issue. 

Due at the end of week 7, Sunday 05/01/16; 100 points The assignment involves a letter to the editor. Here, you are expected to use the concepts discussed in your readings and in class to help prepare a letter to the editor of an imaginary journal or newspaper arguing for or against the issue. The final document should not exceed three double-spaced pages (font size 12). Please look at the American Sociological Association (http://www.asanet.org/press/letters_to_the_editor.cfm) information about writing Op-Eds and Letters to the Editor and follow the guidelines listed there when drafting your letter. Other resources you may want to refer to include: The American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB): http://www.ascb.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=943&Itemid=408 The Washington Post – How to Send a Letter to the Editor http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/ask-the-post/post/how-to-send-a-letter-to-the-editor/2011/11/17/gIQAoi7IlN_blog.html Instructions Choose one, or at most, two, arguments to argue your point to the editor. Present a summary of the event/issue. Then, present your arguments for or against, along with evidence (you may use external sources for this). Finally, suggest to the editor what course of action you recommend to address the situation. Grading Criteria  This assignment will be graded using a 100-point scale. Your paper will be graded as follows: summary of the event (25 points) presentation of the arguments (be sure to include terminology from the course material) (25 points) suggested course of action (25 points) proper citations within the text of the paper and references at the end of the essay (25 points) Grading Rubric
Writing Assignment #3 - Letter to the Editor

Dimension

Proficient 
100-90 points

Acceptable
89-70 points

Limited
69-0 points

Summary of the event
(25 points possible)

The summary of the event is exceptionally clear and well-written.

The summary of the event is fairly clear and well-written.

The summary of the event is very unclear and/or is very poorly written, or missing.

Presentation of the arguments
(25 points possible)

Presentation of the arguments are very clear and well-written.

Presentation of arguments are fairly clear and well-written.

Presentation of arguments are very unclear and/or are very poorly written, or missing.

Suggested course of action 
(25 points possible)

The suggested course of action is very clear and well-written.

The suggested course of action is fairly clear and well-written.

The suggested course of action is unclear and/or is very poorly written, or missing.

Proper citations within the text and references listed at the end
(25 points possible)

In text-citations and list of references are complete and clear.

In-text citations and list of references are fairly complete and clear.

In-text citations and list of references are very poorly written or missing.