12.7 Plan for revising Research Essays, Weighting chart for grades, and discussion of final

We began class with a discussion of what the class (in general) needed to work on to revise the research essay.  We reviewed the assignment sheet and emphasized that the purpose of the assignment (in addition to what was listed on the sheet) was to  demonstrate mastery of theorists, show that you can apply them to your research question, and to demonstrate your ability to critique (question, evaluate) - the theorists you discuss.

Essay organization:  We then discussed the points you neeeded to make and an organization (approximate) that would provide a clear, logical narration for your essay (where background information is provided BEFORE the discussion where you refer back to that information).


Introduction
Set up a clear research question

Maybe = refer to/summarize other research that poses your question

Make points about why your question is relevant or important

Set up /introduce the  theorists you will discuss

Give a broad overview of why their theory is relevant + how you will apply it (write this or at least review it after you have written your essay)

Body

Discuss or make connection to your focus in terms of  4 theorists.  Ask yourself the following questions about each discussion.  

·       What point I make with respect to my focus (for this theorist)?

·       Is my summary of what the theorist says accurate?  Is it central to that theorist’s  work – (or should I choose a differdnt theorist to make this point)?

·       Have I extended or applied this theory in a new way?

·       Do I critique or question the theorist’s ideas when appropriate?

Conclusion:  Provide the :"answer" to your research question, reiterate (briefly) your points, and (if appropriate) point out any remaining questions. 


Process:  We also discussed a process for revising your draft.  The bullets below list "moves" - though you will probably need to "cycle through" these moves - rather than doing them once or checking them off.

• Make sure you are writing to a focus suitable for the assignment
• Develop as much material as you need
• Are my points in the best order? => reverse outline
• Make appropriate moves/revisions
• Revise content for appropriate set up + transition
• Revise intro + conclusion

When you are finished revising for content - revise for grammar, word choice, clarity etc.


Good luck.




Grades:  The following table lists the plan for weighting the different assignments as I calculate your grades.

1.  Study guides, in-class reflective writing, class participation: 250 points 

                                                                    

2.  Midterm + Class presentations:  250 points

3. Literacies project:    300 (200) points           


4. Final exam:  200 (300) points

Total points for course                                   1000 points

For points 3 & 4, project scores will be weighted in accordance with your best performance.


Final exam:
Your final exam will be posted on the blog at the beginning of class next week.  You will have both class periods (and some time after if you need it) to write the exam.  You will be presented with 4 questions and instructed to choose two.  Each question will request that you discuss 3-4 theorists (depending how many are relevant).  Your discussions will need to include in-depth references to a minimum of 6 of the 8  theorists.


Exams will be in essay form and they will be graded on:
Original thinking in response to the question
Appropriate choice of theorists 
Accuracy of statements about the main points/central concerns of the theorists you discuss
Original or re-cast application of theory suitable to issues raised by the question 
In-depth, critical analysis of theory as it applies to the question
Clarity and organization of the answer


Good luck!  And thanks for the great feedback on how to re-design the course. I have lots to think about!