ESPM 50 Weekly reflections

Fall 2016

Weekly reflections (WRs): These are single page responses to questions concerning topics from
readings and lectures. They offer a chance to clarify your knowledge, understanding and
feelings on a theme or topic. The following guidelines aim to help you structure your paper to
express your ideas clearly and succinctly. Be prepared to discuss your thoughts in section.
1. Responses: Each week before WRs are due, three questions will be posted in the WR folder
on bCourses. Respond to only one of the three questions, observing the following guidelines:
A. The reflections should be written in the form of a response to an essay question, including:
A thesis statement (1 sentence) in the first (typically brief) paragraph responding clearly
to the question asked (e.g., In this essay I argue that)
A summary of the key points of your argument supporting your thesis (1-2 sentences
directly following your thesis statement and typically at the end of the first paragraph
[e.g., To support my argument, I consider points A, B and C.])
A well reasoned argument (typically 2 paragraphs after the thesis statement paragraph)
Topic sentences describing paragraph contents, reflecting key point in your argument
Sentences containing relevant information and analysis supporting your thesis
A conclusion sentence at the end of the final paragraph
B. Respond to the question based primarily on readings and lectures. There is no need to draw
from outside material, though you may do so.

Write succinctly and clearly, editing out all unnecessary verbiage.

Use proper grammar and pay attention to writing style.
Summarize and/or use examples to support your thesis.
Demonstrate a close reading of the material and refer to specifics of authors arguments.
Paraphrase rather than using quotes, unless you want to highlight and/or analyze
something specifically related to how an author says what you choose to quote.

C. Your personal opinions and feelings about the material are important, and you are strongly
encouraged, but not required, to express these in the assignment. For instance, you may:
Relate issues and themes to contemporary social, environmental or political topics
Explore your feelings about the issues raised in terms of personal experiences
Comment on the ethical implications of the issues addressed by the question
Form:

One page total writing (no second or back pages please).

Use whatever spacing and margins you choose.
You must use a 12-point font.
Use parenthetic references for all citations with page numbers in MLA format [e.g., (du
Buys 1998, 208)]. Do not include a list or works cited. See the writing and reference
folder in bCourses for an MLA form guide.

Grading: Each regular WR will be graded on a 20-point basis (out of the 1000 point total for the
course). The week 11 book WR will be graded on a 40-point basis.
Submission: Submit WRs electronically on bCourses by10am on the due date or before the
beginning of sections that begin prior to 10am. Also submit a hard copy to your GSI in section.
You must submit WR assignments to bCourses on time, even if you miss section. Late
submissions will be accepted up to one week after the due date, and will be marked down 20%.
See the final page of the syllabus for submission schedule.