Research Writing Assignment: Exploring Fundamental Themes of Human Experience
Objective:
Delve deep into one of the listed topics, examining its underlying causes, manifestations in various societies, its historical or contemporary significance, and its impacts on the individual and the community at large. By the end of your research, you should be able to provide an in-depth analysis of your chosen theme and draw conclusions or recommendations that could inform or benefit future discussions on the subject.
Length:
5 pages, double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12-point font
Topics: (Choose ONE)
1. Conformity and Rebellion
-Analyze the psychological and societal reasons behind conformity and the drive for rebellion.
-Investigate historical or contemporary examples where conformity or rebellion played a significant role in shaping the outcomes.
-Explore the advantages and disadvantages of both conformity and rebellion, considering contexts in which each might be appropriate or detrimental.
2. The Self and Society
– Discuss how society influences the individual’s perception of self and how individuals can influence or challenge societal norms.
– Analyze the role of technology, media, and peer influence on the self.
– Examine instances where the conflict between personal identity and societal expectations has led to significant changes or movements.
3. Gender Conflicts
– Explore the historical roots of gender conflicts and their evolution over time.
– Analyze how different societies address or perpetuate gender inequalities and conflicts.
– Investigate the effects of gender conflicts on individual identity, relationships, and societal structures.
4. Love and Relationships
– Examine the diverse forms of love and relationships across different cultures and eras.
– Discuss how societal norms and expectations influence perceptions and experiences of love.
– Analyze the challenges and conflicts that arise in relationships and how they reflect or shape societal views on love.
5. Food Inequality
– Investigate the causes and consequences of food inequality on a global scale.
– Explore the role of politics, economy, and infrastructure in exacerbating or alleviating food disparities.
– Analyze the relationship between food inequality and other social issues like health, education, and socio-economic development.
Requirements:
Introduction: Briefly introduce your chosen topic and explain its relevance.
Body: Use various sources, both primary and secondary, to build a compelling argument or narrative around your chosen topic.
Conclusion: Summarize your findings and state any recommendations, future implications, or areas for further research.
References: Cite at least five academic sources. Acceptable sources include peer-reviewed journal articles, books, reputable news outlets, and primary historical documents. Ensure that your citations follow the MLA style formatting.
Writing Rubric
1. Depth of Analysis (7 points total)
Exceptional (6-7 points): Demonstrates a profound understanding of the chosen topic. Effectively delves deep into nuances and offers a fresh, insightful perspective, going beyond mere summary.
Proficient (4-5 points): Displays a good grasp of the topic and provides relevant analysis. Some insights are present, but the depth could be further explored.
Basic (2-3 points): Offers a surface-level analysis with limited insights. Engages with the topic but lacks depth and originality.
Insufficient (0-1 points): Minimal to no engagement with the topic. The analysis is either too brief, too superficial, or missing.
2. Grammar and Punctuation (7 points total)
Exceptional (6-7 points): Paper is virtually error-free, demonstrating mastery in college-level writing and language use.
Proficient (4-5 points): Contains a few minor errors, but they don’t significantly impede understanding. Demonstrates proficiency in college-level writing.
Basic (2-3 points): Several grammatical or punctuation errors are present. While the main argument can be understood, the errors are distracting.
Insufficient (0-1 points): Numerous errors make the paper challenging to understand. It does not meet college-level writing standards.
3. Use of Evidence from the Text (6 points total)
Exceptional (5-6 points): Skillfully integrates a range of direct quotations or specific examples from the primary text. Evidence strongly supports the analysis.
Proficient (3-4 points): Incorporates some evidence from the primary text, but may not fully leverage it to bolster the analysis.
Basic (1-2 points): Limited use of evidence from the primary text. Quotes or examples may be present but are not effectively integrated into the analysis.
Insufficient (0 points): Neglects to use evidence from the primary text or uses it incorrectly.
4. Adherence to Paper’s Requirements (5 points total)
Exceptional (5 points): Fully meets all requirements. The essay is approximately 500 words, double-spaced, with correctly formatted MLA citations.
Proficient (3-4 points): Meets most requirements. There might be minor issues with word count, spacing, or MLA formatting.
Basic (1-2 points): Misses several requirements. Noticeable issues with word count, spacing, or MLA formatting are present.
Insufficient (0 points): Does not adhere to the majority of the paper’s requirements.
