THIS PAPER IS ABOUT THE BOOK Leadership Strategy and Tactics: Field Manual J. Willink
At its most basic, your analysis is focused on the author’s argument(s) in light of academic research (i.e. peer-reviewed or recognized scholarly sources). You will compare/contrast whatyou author has to say with what academic research says about the same topic (e.g., they mayagree, disagree, or agree & disagree with the author’s argument(s)). As you consider your analysisremember that an analysis is not only negative. You may want to include elements of the author’sarguments that support or extend the academic research you locate. While you may utilize materialsfrom class in your analysis, you must incorporate at least six additional peer-reviewed/academicsources from your own research. In this type of analysis, you should not report on each source and itsrelation to the author’s argument individually—rather you are building broader arguments that mightutilize several sources. And do not be afraid to use more than six sources!As you think about your overall argument, you might begin by considering the following questions: What is the author’s overall argument? How does the author use other arguments to support this argument? How do the author’s arguments compare/fit with other authors you have read? What arguments, examples, evidence, etc. does the author use well? What’s missing, if anything, from the author’s argument?You may or may not answer these specific questions. They are meant to get you started, not toorganize your paper. You should carefully read the Grading Rubric as it provides detailed requirementsfor your paper. I have also provided an edited example paper under “Assignments” located within“Course Packet Information” under “Course Information” on Blackboard Ultra for your reference; thisgives you a very good idea of my expectations. As always if you have any questions do not hesitate tocontact me. Our Communication Librarian has provided a LibGuide specifically for this assignment. Youwill find it located beneath under “Assignments” on Blackboard Ultra as well. Here’s some generallyhelpful information: Researcho I recommend the following databases for this topic within EBSCO: Academic SearchComplete, Business Source Complete, Communication Source, and PsycINFO.o ProQuest, JSTOR, and Google Scholar can also be helpful, although they may be a bitbroad.o You should “mine” any source’s bibliography; that is, if the authors cite something else thatis relevant to your argument follow to that source and read it as well. They may have notincluded something from the source that will be useful to you.o You should also see who else has cited an article that is particularly useful to you. You cando this by following the “cited by” link in most databases, including the “Quick Search” on theLibrary’s main page (libraries.uark.edu) Basic Structure (with some ideas for content – not required)
COMM 3373 / Leadership CommunicationP a g e | 20o Introduction (situate your book, provide a short overview of the book, and your mainargument/thesis)o Supporting Arguments (bulk of your paper) First Point (e.g., book’s author says/leaves out, research says,compare/contrast/extend) Second Point (same as above) Third Point (same as above)o Conclusion (review your main argument, discuss its implications, provide a personalreflection on your reaction to the book) Purdue University’s Online Writing Lab has helpful resources for APA Style. You will find it under“Most Popular Resources” on their main page (owl.purdue.edu). Use the Writing Studio available through the Center for Learning and Student Success(success.uark.edu). You should provide what you have researched and written up to that point, aswell as the assignment description and Grading Rubric so they can provide the best help possible.Research Paper: Popular Press Book Analysis Grading RubricPreliminary Requirement √ ØSelect Popular Press Book. Failure to complete this requirementautomatically reduces to overall paper grade by 50 points or 80%(B).Consultation: You schedule, attend, and are prepared for this videoconsultation (you have at least read your popular press book andthought about your overall argument). Failure to complete thisrequirement automatically reduces your overall paper grade by 78points. This means that the highest grade you can receive will be172 points or 69% (D).Each of the following elements will be graded on a scale of:Exceptional, Good, Average, Poor, and MissingStructure/Organization (20% of overall paper grade)Introduction is interesting and central argument/thesis statement is clear 9 pointsSensible paragraph organization with effective transitions 9 pointsEach paragraph is clearly constructed (e.g., generally addresses onlyone topic) 9 pointsUnifying conclusion, making a strong statement regarding your overallthesis and personal reflection 9 pointsOverall structure of the paper aids in development of argument 14 points`Content (60% of overall paper grade)Argument
COMM 3373 / Leadership CommunicationP a g e | 21Overall central argument is clear, interesting, and workable 15 pointsOverall central argument provides a clear analysis of popular pressbook 15 pointsAdditional/Subordinate arguments clearly support overall centralargument 10 pointsPaper deals with all important aspects of the central argument 10 pointsPaper focuses on central argument, avoiding tangential argumentsand evidence 5 pointsPaper is internally consistent (e.g., arguments do not contradict eachother) 5 pointsEvidence/ResearchPaper uses high quality, relevant, and adequate evidence in supportof central and subordinate arguments 15 pointsPaper makes logical use of evidence in support of arguments 15 pointsPaper employs and interprets research creatively; the paper does notmerely “report” but evaluates the book and evidence critically 15 pointsPaper utilizes at least six academic sources (e.g., peer-reviewed orrecognized scholarly source such as book from an academicpress) not used in course (Note: When in doubt ask me or theresearch librarian)15 pointsOverall ConcernsPaper must provide an overall sense of the popular press book,author’s main argument, definition of leadership, and theelements/practices of leadership the author identifies as mostimportant (Note: Sometimes these are implied)15 pointsPaper has new ideas, interesting and/or insightful interpretations,and/or creative extensions of the ideas 15 points
COMM 3373 / Leadership CommunicationP a g e | 22Mechanics and Style (20% of overall paper grade)Free from typographical, grammatical, and editorial errors* 15 pointsLanguage is concise and precise, avoiding over-generalizations 10 pointsPaper content is at least 10+ pages in length (this does not include titlepage and reference list) 10 pointsFollows APA Style 15 pointsCover Page (an abstract is not required)Typed in black inkDouble-spaced with 1” marginsPage NumbersIn-text citationsReference ListHeadingsGrade(A=250—225; B=224—200; C=199—175; D=174—150; F=0—149)*This is a formal research paper and so your writing should reflect that. I have provided some additionalcomments on this type of writing here.Your paper should be free from typographical errors (e.g., spelling errors and typing “thus” whenyou mean “this”), grammatical mistakes (e.g., punctuation, subject-verb agreement, incomplete andrun-on sentences), and editorial errors (e.g., avoids meaningless sentences, overuse of passivevoice, jargon, clichés, and casual/colloquial language). For example, to avoid passive voice youwould change “this idea was reinforced by the author in every argument” to “the author reinforcedthis idea in every argument.” These are some additional basic mistakes I consistently see in studentwriting:o inappropriate use of its and it’so inappropriate use of e.g. (for example) and i.e. (that is)o inappropriate use of that, who, and whicho inappropriate use of their, there, and they’reo don’t use contractionso You do not need to use “I think” or “I argue” or similar language; if you do not cite someoneelse, I will know it is your idea
