EMPLOYMENT DIVISION AND DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES OF OREGON : Does it convincingly explain why the question is worthwhile to discuss, in terms of its significance and non-obviousness, often by showing that there are multiple potential answers that have initial plausibility?

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EMPLOYMENT DIVISION AND DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES OF OREGON.

Writers are encouraged to select a narrow topic, write about 2,500 words, and edit down. The essays must be between 1,000 to 1,250 words when submitted. A first version is required for the first essay, but not for the second essay. But for both essays you are encouraged (but not required) to meet with your TA to discuss your paper before submitting it. To make this meeting productive, you should already have an outline or a draft prepared.

  • ALL PAPERS are subject to the lateness, plagiarism, and citation provisions in the Course Policies section. Papers should be typed in 12-point Cambria font and double-spaced. The grading rubric provides further guidance.

Criteria and Questions to Consider Weight ReflectionPapers1st Essay Version 11st Essay Final Version 2nd Essay Effectiveness

  • Does it use language clearly and professionally: choosing words, constructing sentences, organizing paragraphs, and citing any sources?
  • Does it use the space allotted to do as much engagement, reflection, and development as possible?
  • Or, does it waste space with convoluted writing, redundancies, irrelevancies, superficialities, needless summaries, block quotes, platitudes, generalities, or blank space? Engagement
  • Does it demonstrate understanding of an important aspect of the case?
  • Does it engage specifically with the text, reasoning, and/or decision of the case?
  • Does it engage with the ideas or other contextual factors around the case, without losing track of the key issues within the case? Reflection
    ·Does it identify a particular question for reflection?
  • Does it convincingly explain why the question is worthwhile to discuss, in terms of its significance and non-obviousness, often by showing that there are multiple potential answers that have initial plausibility?
  • Does it narrow the chosen topic appropriately, so that it can be done well given the allotted length? Development
  • Does it state a thesis clearly, one that answers the question presented?
  • Does it make a clear, convincing, and logical argument in support of that thesis, using analysis and evidence as appropriate?
  • Does it weigh counter-arguments and acknowledge any remaining limitations, uncertainties, or questions for further study?
  • Does it constructively and critically draw upon the ideas presented in the lectures and discussions to shed light on the thesis?
  • Does it constructively and critically use outside sources to shed light on the thesis, without allowing the sources to overshadow the author’s own development of independent thought? Improvement
  • To what extent does it take into account comments and suggestions on the first draft?
  • Does it take these comments to heart and include substantive and organizational
    revisions as appropriate?