assignment
For your final paper, you have the choice of writing on any topic you believe is a current human rights issue. This can be a topic we cover in the course or some other topic you find interesting. The final paper is half research paper and half argumentative paper – i.e., you will need to research a human rights issue and advance an argument about that issue. Be specific! The more specific you are about the issue and your argument, the better your paper will be. For example, instead of writing broadly about ‘women’s rights,’ write instead about women’s rights in the context of pay inequality in Ontario and the policies best suited to defeat it. Instructions for the proposal: 1. Choose a human rights issue: As we have seen, there is an abundance of human rights issues. Look over the course outline to see what we will be covering in future weeks. You may find some ideas there. You are also free to write on topics you covered in your first assignment, with much more specificity, of course. Again, be specific!
2. Research: Find a minimum of 5 credible sources that you believe to be relevant to your human rights issue. Try and include a variety of sources. Aim for a mixture of books, peer- reviewed articles, credible news sources, and information from NGOs. DO NOT include blogs or other questionable internet sources.
3. Format: Your proposal should include the following, along with your name, date, etc.:
i. Working Title A title that captures the essence of your paper ii. Hypothesis and Thesis Statement The hypothesis is the central question you pose in your paper, and the thesis statement is your answer to that question. iii. Background Paragraph A short paragraph describing the background to the human rights issue you have chosen. iv. Proposed Arguments State and elaborate on two arguments that support your thesis statement. Also, include possible objections to your view. v. Preliminary Works Cited Properly list the five or more sources you found while researching your topic. Use any citation style with which you are comfortable (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago). Ensure that you are consistent with your citation rules. Submitting: 2. Length: ~500 words, approximately 2 pages double spaced
Human Rights: A Radical Idea Durham College Grade Range A B C D and below Topic My topic is clearly stated and identifiable as a human rights issue. My topic is somewhat clearly stated and identifiable as a human rights issue. My topic is not clearly stated and spuriously identifiable as a human rights issue. My topic is not clearly stated and is not related to a human rights issue. Hypothesis & Thesis Statement My hypothesis is robust and addresses specific aspects of my topic. My thesis statement is clear, precise, and relates directly to my hypothesis. My hypothesis is somewhat robust and addresses general aspects of my topic. My thesis statement is clear, but not precise, and generally relates to my hypothesis. My hypothesis is stated, but is not specific. My thesis statement is stated, but not precise, and only tangentially relates to my hypothesis. It is not clear what hypothesis and thesis statement are. Argument My argument is clearly stated and maintained consistently throughout the proposal. References to the issue are clear. My argument is clearly stated and maintained consistently. References to the issue are generalized, assumed, or missing. My argument is stated, but not maintained throughout my proposal. References to the issue are generalized or inconsistent. It is not clear what my argument is. Research I have provided 5 credible sources. I support my argument with examples from the text, critical observations and research that provide sufficient evidence that my position is sound. I have provided 5 or less sources, most of them credible. I support my argument with evidence from the text, and critical observations, but there is not enough evidence to be convincing. I have not provided 5 credible sources. I provide limited evidence to support my position. I have not provided adequate sources. Conventions My essay is free of spelling and grammatical errors. My essay contains few spelling and grammatical errors. My essay contains spelling and grammatical errors. My essay has not been proofread.