You will write a country analysis research paper (6-8 pages) that synthesizes information from primary and secondary sources and evaluates how your chosen country’s current political, social and economic conditions have been shaped by historic events. It should answer the following question:
What two or three historical factors of the last century have most directly affected the current situation in your country?
This is persuasive essayin which you need a clear argumentthat you are making and defending. In other words, there is no one answer to this question. You will need to decide what factors YOU think are most important, state them clearly in your thesis statement, then provide evidence to support your claims.
In thinking about how you will write your paper, you may want to consider the following questions:
- What were the conditions in your country on the eve of WWI?
- When/how did your country achieved independence (if at all)?
- What were some of the major events of the post-independence era?
- What major grievances (if any) were expressed during popular protests that have emerged over the last five years? How has the government dealt with them?
- Since most Middle Eastern countries have a “youth bulge,” what major concerns of the youth (25 years old and under) in your countryhave affected its current situation?
Logistics:
Preliminary version DUE DATE: TUESDAY FEBRUARY 7th in class. Also be sure to upload your draft to D2L before class.
Due date: A hard copy should be brought to class WEDNESDAY MAY 2nd. Also be sure to upload your paper to D2L before class.
Format: Times New Roman 12 font, double-spaced, one-inch margins all around, no cover page
Citations: MLA in-text citation style; include a properly formatted Works Cited page
Sources: At least three scholarly sources(not including the Cleveland and Brunton textbook) AND at least three news sources that discuss recent events.
Sources
First, be sure to read carefully the relevant passages in your textbook. Then, consult the Bibliography at the back of her book and read the books/articles that seem most relevant.
Sources for coverage of recent uprisings and youth culture include:
Also search www.news.google.com using keywords such as “Algerian youth,” “young Omanis” or “Lebanon protests”
NOTE: While Wikipedia is often the first place people turn to in order to learn about a new topic, DO NOT RELY on it for accurate information. Experts find a lot of inaccuracies in Wikipedia entries, and despite its claims of neutrality, politically biased statements are found throughout.
Helpful Hints:
- Write an outline of your paper. Make sure that you have an introductory paragraph, a clear thesis, evidence supporting your thesis, and a conclusion that summarizes your thesis.
- State your thesisstatementup front (no later than the bottom of the first page). You don’t have space for a lengthy introduction and background. You need to get to the point quickly.
- Be sure you have an arguable thesis statement. It should read something like: “The current situation in [country] can be attributed in large part to [a], [b], and [c].
- Be sure to include a title, ideally one that reflects your thesis argument.
- Be sure to proofread your work.
- Don’t wait until the last minute—great ideas develop over time.
- I am interested in your ideas, not those of other people.
Grading Criteria:
A – Original, well-argued thesis; clear organization; strong analysis; no grammar/spelling mistakes
B – Thesis clear, but not well argued; some analysis; some grammar/spelling mistakes
C – Unclear thesis and/or organization; little or no analysis; grammar/spelling mistakes
D – No thesis or organization; no analysis; grammar/spelling mistakes; poorly written; does not meet minimum page requirement; lacks adequate number of scholarly sources
F – Does not fulfill assignment
Grading Rubric (adapted from UA ENGL 101: Contextual Analysis) ___________ Grade
| Superior | Strong | Competent | Weak | Unacceptable | |
| Thesis and Content
(35%) |
o Thesis statement is complex, challenging, and precise, thoroughly engaging with major historical questions.
o Writer integrates required number of sources to support thesis statement in a varied and innovative manner. o Writer organizes and evaluates sources in a manner that fully supports the thesis statement |
o Thesis statement is clear, precise and insightful, engaging somewhat with major historical questions.
o Writer uses required number of sources for support and organizes essay with some sense of emphasis on key ideas o Writer organizes and evaluates sources in a manner that somewhat supports the thesis statement |
o Thesis statement is clear and governs the essay.
o Writer uses required number of sources, but is overly reliant on 3-4. o Writer organizes sources around the thesis statement, but does not analyze them effectively. |
o Thesis statement is apparent, but vague or overly general. (May become more precise at the end.
o Writer uses required number of sources, but is overly reliant on 1-2. o Writer does not organize or evaluate sources effectively. |
o Thesis statement is weak, with very little of the writer’s thoughts present.
o Writer does not use minimum number of sources. o Writer shows very little or no understanding of the assignment requirements. |
| Development
(30%) |
o Writer supports thesis statement using all sources in a varied manner, gracefully and accurately incorporating them to support his/her thinking about the issues being explored
o Paragraphs are properly marked, unified, and coherent; transitions reveal progress of the argument. |
o Writer selects and manipulates all sources to support thesis through paraphrase, summary, and direct quotation.
o Paragraphs are unified and coherent; transitions aid the reader. |
o Writer sometimes incorporates quotations awkwardly and in ways that are only generally related to discussion.
o Paragraphs are unified and for the most part coherent; transitions functional. |
o Awkward use of quotations with little analysis, drawing few connections between sources.
oParagraphs are underdeveloped or jumbled. Transitions unclear or mechanical. |
o Quotations are not used, or are used incorrectly, awkwardly, or not incorporated into body of essay.
o Paragraphing not organized; essay lacks transitions. |
| Expression
(25%) |
o Sentences are varied and forceful.
o Diction is fresh and precise o Tone complements the subject and purpose, distinguishes the writer, and defines the audience |
o Sentences are varied and structurally correct.
o Diction is clear and thoughtful. o Tone fits the subject, persona and audience |
o Sentences structurally correct but wordy or lack clarity
o Diction is generally correct o Tone is acceptable for the subject |
o Sentences are structurally problematic.
o Diction is vague |
o Sentences difficult to understand
o Diction problematic |
| Conventions
(10%) |
o Essay is written in accordance with standard usage, and is virtually error-free.
o Flawless use of MLA style. |
o No serious deviations from standard usage.
o Rare or minimum errors using MLA style. |
o A few deviations from standard usage.
o Some errors using MLA style. |
o Essay shows difficulty with fragments, comma usage, agreement, or other distracting usage features
o Considerable errors using MLA style. |
o Essay shows serious problems with fragments, comma usage, agreement or other distracting usage features.
o Grave errors (or no attempt at) using MLA style. |
Additional Comments: