Final Essay- Guidelines and Rubric
Students will have the opportunity to draw on various course themes to analyze a related topic on a sign or symbol of their choice. Your analysis should be in essay format and 8-10 pages in length (double-spaced, Times New Roman, size 12-font). Additionally, you should include at least (3) sources from your annotated bibliography, as well as in-text citations and a reference page.
The key to successfully writing a strong essay is to approach the task in a systematic and organized manner, breaking it down into two distinct steps: (1) critical reading, similar to what you did for your annotated bibliographies, and (2) critical writing.
Some helpful tips for writing a critical analysis:
Provide an overview of your chosen sign or symbol (the background, social, cultural, or political significance etc.) and identify an associated research topic (specific area or question of your sign or symbol that you want to explore within the context of your essay).
Draft a strong thesis statement and provide an overview of your essay (key arguments, topics, and themes etc.).
Draw on your annotated bibliography, lecture and reading content, and other scholarly literature to support your arguments.
Try to stay away from long or short quotes, instead use paraphrases to support your arguments.
Address the broader implications of your topic (weakness, strengthens etc.)
Consider your audience and use clear and concise academic language.
Rebric what the prof will grade on:
Assessment: Overview of your chosen sign/symbol, the associated research topic and thesis statement are clearly stated. Approach is clearly described, with detailed explanation and justification for pursuing topic and format for presentation. strong analysis and connections made between chosen sign/symbol, research topic claims and discussion. thorough understanding and engagement with course material and other relevant scholarly sources
Format: Essay is well-organized and written. proper structure (introduction, body paragraphs, conclusions) and format is followed. proper spelling and grammar. includes a title page (title, name, date, student number, instructor name, and course code), image of your chosen sign or symbol and reference page
Sources: includes credible source (scholarly and academic) that relate to the chosen sign/symbol and associated research topic. proper citation format (MLA, APA, or Chicago Style) both in text and in your reference page
more details and files will be provide add