For this assignment, I encourage you to explore topics related to government, particularly focusing on Texas Government. The aim is to comprehend how government influences various aspects of our lives. You have the freedom to choose a subject that resonates with your interests, utilizing the resources provided in the modules or exploring the suggested links:
Texas Tribune TopicsLinks to an external site.
Pew Research TopicsLinks to an external site.
Your task is to craft a minimum 550-word paper (approximately two pages, double-spaced, 12-point font) in academic English. Express your thoughts, ideas, and analyses in your own words. However, if you refer to or quote any sources, remember to provide proper citations to avoid plagiarism. The papers will be submitted through the Turnitin system.
I intentionally refrain from suggesting specific topics to encourage diverse perspectives and innovative thinking. Previous papers have covered subjects ranging from motherhood and immigration appointments to topics such as gun control, abortion, and climate change. I value the uniqueness of your perspectives and want you to think creatively about how government intertwines with our daily lives.
Whether you choose a personal or societal angle, analyze how government policies and decisions impact these areas. Feel free to think outside the box and delve into the intricate connections between government and various facets of society.
Please include your self-assessed grade on the front of your paper. I am looking forward to reading your insightful analyses and unique perspectives.
List of topics (click on the link)
https://www.texastribune.org/topics/ (Links to an external site.)
https://www.pewresearch.org/topics/Links to an external site.
Requirements: This assignment is worth up to 100 points. Reminder: Make sure you put the grade you think the paper is on the front as well.
The minimum word count is 550 (that’s two pages, double-spaced, and 12-point font). Your response must be written in academic English. You will use your voice and write in your own words, but if you do quote or paraphrase from any (including your previous papers)of your sources, provide a citation. Your paper will be run through turnitin system.
Rubric
Term Paper Rubric 2024
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeKnowledge of Subject Matter
Demonstrates an understanding of concepts and content.
20 to >12.0 pts
Exceeds Expectations
Demonstrates an exceptional understanding of concepts and content. Exhibits a comprehensive grasp of advanced and nuanced aspects of the subject matter. Consistently applies knowledge in insightful and critical ways. Integrates current events and real-world examples to enhance understanding.
12 to >8.0 pts
Meets Expectations
Demonstrates a solid understanding of fundamental concepts and content. Shows competency in applying key principles to different scenarios. Provides accurate and relevant information. Illustrates a satisfactory level of engagement with the subject matter.
8 to >0.0 pts
Working Toward Expectations
Displays a basic understanding of core concepts and content. Struggles to apply knowledge consistently and accurately. Shows room for improvement in connecting ideas and synthesizing information. Demonstrates some engagement but lacks depth in understanding.
0 pts
Does Not Meet Expectations
Fails to demonstrate a fundamental understanding of key concepts. Consistently provides inaccurate or irrelevant information. Shows minimal effort or engagement with the subject matter. Requires significant improvement in comprehension and application.
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeGrammar
A paper that is well written with caution and care of the mechanics of writing and spelling.
20 to >12.0 pts
Exceeds Expectations
Demonstrates impeccable writing skills with meticulous attention to grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Consistently adheres to advanced grammatical structures and conventions. Expresses ideas with exceptional clarity, coherence, and precision. Reflects a sophisticated command of the English language.
12 to >8.0 pts
Meets Expectations
Presents a well-written paper with attention to the mechanics of writing and spelling. Displays a solid grasp of grammar, punctuation, and spelling rules. Communicates ideas clearly and effectively. Shows a proficient command of the English language.
8 to >0.0 pts
Working Toward Expectations
Shows effort in addressing the mechanics of writing and spelling. Demonstrates a basic understanding of grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Expresses ideas with some clarity but may have occasional lapses in precision. Requires improvement in maintaining consistent language conventions.
0 pts
Does Not Meet Expectations
Presents a paper with significant issues related to grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Struggles to convey ideas clearly due to frequent errors in language mechanics. Lacks attention to basic writing conventions. Requires substantial improvement in fundamental aspects of grammar.
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeThinking/Persuasion
student’s ability to thoughtfully incorporate diverse sources.
20 to >12.0 pts
Exceeds Expectations
Demonstrates exceptional critical thinking skills, showcasing original and insightful perspectives. Engages in advanced analysis, providing nuanced interpretations and well-supported arguments. Effectively employs persuasive techniques to influence and convince the audience. Consistently demonstrates a high level of intellectual rigor and creativity.
12 to >8.0 pts
Meets Expectations
Demonstrates solid critical thinking skills, offering clear and logical reasoning. Presents well-supported arguments and interpretations. Utilizes persuasive techniques effectively to support claims. Displays a satisfactory level of intellectual engagement and creativity.
8 to >0.0 pts
Working Expectations
Shows effort in critical thinking but may lack consistency in providing well-supported arguments. Demonstrates a basic understanding of persuasive techniques, but application may be limited. Presents arguments with some coherence but may lack depth in analysis. Requires improvement in consistently applying critical thinking skills.
0 pts
Does Not Meet Expectations
Demonstrates significant challenges in critical thinking, lacking clear reasoning and analysis. Fails to present well-supported arguments or interpretations. Struggles to employ persuasive techniques effectively. Requires substantial improvement in fundamental aspects of critical thinking and persuasion
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntegration of Sources
Demonstrates an outstanding ability to seamlessly integrate a diverse range of high-quality sources into the paper.
Effectively synthesizes information from multiple sources to develop a comprehensive and cohesive argument.
Shows a sophisticated understanding of source credibility, relevance, and context.
20 to >12.0 pts
Exceeds Expectations
Demonstrates an outstanding ability to seamlessly integrate a diverse range of high-quality sources into the paper. Effectively synthesizes information from multiple sources to develop a comprehensive and cohesive argument. Shows a sophisticated understanding of source credibility, relevance, and context.
12 to >8.0 pts
Meets Expectations
Integrates relevant sources into the paper, demonstrating a good understanding of their contributions. Synthesizes information from sources to support key points and arguments. Shows an appropriate selection of credible and pertinent sources.
8 to >0.0 pts
Working Towards Expectations
Includes sources in the paper but may struggle with integration and synthesis. Shows a basic understanding of source relevance but may lack depth in analysis. Requires improvement in effectively incorporating diverse sources into the narrative.
0 pts
Does Not Meet Expectations: Did not respond to two classmates and no analysis or anything written.
Fails to adequately integrate sources, resulting in a lack of support for key points. Struggles to demonstrate a clear understanding of source credibility and relevance. Requires substantial improvement in the integration and synthesis of sources.
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization and Structure:
20 to >12.0 pts
Exceeds Expectations
Presents a term paper with a sophisticated and highly effective organizational structure. Demonstrates an exceptional ability to logically sequence ideas and arguments for maximum impact. Utilizes headings, subheadings, and transitions effectively to enhance overall coherence.
12 to >8.0 pts
Meets Expectations
Maintains a well-organized structure, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. Sequences ideas and arguments logically to ensure a cohesive narrative. Employs appropriate formatting elements to enhance readability.
8 to >0.0 pts
Working Toward Expectations
Shows an attempt at organization but may lack consistency in structure. Struggles with logical sequencing of ideas, resulting in some disruptions in the narrative flow. Requires improvement in effectively organizing and structuring the term paper.
0 pts
Does Not Meet Expectations
Presents a term paper with significant organizational issues, hindering overall clarity. Lacks a clear introduction, body, and conclusion, making it challenging for the reader to follow. Requires substantial improvement in fundamental aspects of organization and structure.
20 pts
