Instructions and Format for Taking Sides on African Issues Report – Assignment 3a

You are to read as much as you can to understand the issue you have been assigned, on either side of the topic, summarize your readings, write your opinions and evaluate how the side of this issue can be presented to your peers.

The objectives of the Taking Sides Report assignment is to improve your writing skills, improve your ability to evaluate information that you read, and analyze side of the issue you are assigned

Organization of Report

Introduction

State the title and side of the issue that you have been assigned. Outline the argument used for this issue.  This will help you frame your investigation of relevant literature. What other the questions you will ask and answer about this issue? Provide a brief overview of your report. 

Resource Information/References

What information did you find that has been written about this issue? Read as much as you can about this issue. Beside Moseley’s, research and cite 4 additional references on this issue and summarize information and material from your readings. These readings will be listed in your Bibliography/References. At least 4 references required in addition to  Moseley, W. G., (ed.), (2012).

Evaluation and Analysis

Your readings should help to answer questions about the issue. This will provide you with a report framework.  You will introduce your issue, consider it in context and provide your opinions based on research. Please demonstrate rational, reflective thought and logical arguments.

• Which aspects of African geography do your issue include (physical, social, political, population, medical, etc.)?
• What are the current conditions surrounding this issue?
• Who and what are involved in this issue: individuals, groups, officials, governments, companies, agencies, organizations? 
• List a term or concept that you did not previously know.
• How has your issue affected development on the continent of Africa and beyond? Development can be defined as the process in which the principal objective is to improve the quality of people’s lives.
• What practical applications does this issue have in other parts of the world?
• What is the impact of this issue on the future? What potential for further research is there on this issue?
• Do your findings compare or refute your personal opinions? Make informed editorial comments about why your opinions are either similar of dissimilar to the side assigned.
• What particular question does this issue raise in your mind? Please be provocative, but appropriate. This question will provide a prompt for your peers’ discussion.

Summary & Conclusion

Summarize your evaluation and analysis by listing the major points. What conclusion can you make about the issue assigned and the arguments for the side?

Bibliography/References

List (on separate page, does not count toward the word count) Use a minimum of 5 references, at least 2 of which should be from scholarly journals.  APA format for both in-text citation and references is required.  Information on citations can be found here: http://www.easybib.com/guides/citation-guides/apa-format/Links to an external site.

Format of Report

The report should be submitted by 5pm on the due date using the following structure:

File uploaded to GEA 3600 Canvas drop box under Assignment 3a in Modules

Page 1, top left. Type the following information:

• Your name
• Title of your report (the question and side you were assigned)
• Due date of report
• GEA 3600 Term Year

Your report should be typed, double-spaced, 12-point font, 1” margins. Your report should be a minimum 2,000 original words excluding the references page. Quotations taken from materials must be correctly cited in and should not be included in the count of “original” words. Include the word count at the end of your report before the References Page. Sub-titles may be used. Insert the page number at the top right on each page starting on page 1 of the actual report.

The course has a substantial writing requirement.  To obtain credit for the UF writing requirement, students must achieve a C (2.0/4) grade.  Your writing will be evaluated using the following criteria: Content, Organization and Coherence, Effectiveness of argument, Style, Grammar and Punctuation

Assistance with Writing

If you need (or desire) assistance with writing (grammar, expression, style), I encourage you to visit the Writing Studio. It is a part of the University Writing Program and the services are FREE.  Note: Even students who earn A and B grades may benefit from this assistance and are welcome to make appointments at the Writing Studio. One-on-one assistance and consultations are available.  http://writing.ufl.edu/writing-centerLinks to an external site.