This assignment asks students to select a topic on their
own that (1) is related to the theme of this course, (2) addresses change in a policy field, (3)
compares a policy field between Canada and one of the USA, Australia, or the UK. The essay must develop a narrow argument and stay
within the prescribed minimum and maximum page limits.
Students are expected to have a minimum of eight academic sources that do not appear in this
course. I ask that more than 8 sources be used, between 11-13 if possible. There needs to be at least one online academic journal, you are urged to use more, and 2 government websites. Internet sources cannot be used for this assignment.
course. I ask that more than 8 sources be used, between 11-13 if possible. There needs to be at least one online academic journal, you are urged to use more, and 2 government websites. Internet sources cannot be used for this assignment.
1.25 left right margins, 12 point font Times New Roman. Excluding the title page, the pages must be numbered. Bibiliography is required in APA format and also must be numbered, is not included in the word count. Use either parentheses or endnotes when citing sources.
Criteria used to assess this essay.
1. Does the essay clearly state its thesis? (/5 marks)
2. Immediately after the thesis statement, does the essay state how its argument will
unfold? I.e., “First, the essay will examine X. Second, it will look at Y. Third, the essay
will explore Z.” (/1 mark)
3. Is the essay well organized, which enables its arguments to flow? (/3 marks)
4. Does the essay demonstrate conceptual understanding and variety? (/5 marks)
5. Does the essay engage with other arguments? Strong essays take arguments seriously,
even those they may not necessarily like. (/5 marks)
6. Is evidence provided to support an essay’s arguments? What is the quality of that
evidence? (/5 marks)
7. Are arguments properly developed as opposed to being rushed and/or presented as
self-evident? (/5 marks)
8. Is the essay free from grammatical and/or spelling errors? Poor grammar and spelling
immediately create a negative impression. More important, poor grammar and spelling
prevent the clear communication of an essay’s arguments and ideas. (/4 marks)
9. Is the research adequate and relevant? (/1 mark)
10. Did the essay use proper citation and bibliographical form? (/1 mark)
2. Immediately after the thesis statement, does the essay state how its argument will
unfold? I.e., “First, the essay will examine X. Second, it will look at Y. Third, the essay
will explore Z.” (/1 mark)
3. Is the essay well organized, which enables its arguments to flow? (/3 marks)
4. Does the essay demonstrate conceptual understanding and variety? (/5 marks)
5. Does the essay engage with other arguments? Strong essays take arguments seriously,
even those they may not necessarily like. (/5 marks)
6. Is evidence provided to support an essay’s arguments? What is the quality of that
evidence? (/5 marks)
7. Are arguments properly developed as opposed to being rushed and/or presented as
self-evident? (/5 marks)
8. Is the essay free from grammatical and/or spelling errors? Poor grammar and spelling
immediately create a negative impression. More important, poor grammar and spelling
prevent the clear communication of an essay’s arguments and ideas. (/4 marks)
9. Is the research adequate and relevant? (/1 mark)
10. Did the essay use proper citation and bibliographical form? (/1 mark)