You will write a report that critically evaluates the course text and proposes a new chapter for a future edition.
FINAL REPORT GUIDELINES
The final report focuses equally on (1) your critical assessment of the Dicken text and (2) your proposed new chapter. Final reports should be 2000-2500 words, excluding references and figures.
Format:
(1) Critical review of the textbook (1,000-1,250 words)
· Your report should have a thesis statement at the end of the introduction, that sets out your argument.
· You will then support this argument with evidence that will include references to Dicken and other academic sources.
· Focus on crafting a persuasive argument rather than summarizing the text—what makes the text (un)successful? Why?
(2) New chapter proposal (1,000-1,250 words)
· The other half of your report will be your proposal for a new chapter for a future edition, including a fully-realized rationale for its inclusion and an outline of the chapter’s contents.
· This outline should match the format of the Dicken textbook, and include subheadings.
· Use high-impact headings and sub-headings to organize your report.
· At least one section of your proposed chapter should be written in full sentences and paragraph form, explaining a key concept in accessible language (up to 300 words).
· Other indicative content under the subheadings can be in point form.
· You should state what you want students to learn from each (sub)section, making use of academic citations and sources of other sources of evidence (maps, statistics etc.).
· End with a short conclusion that connects both sections, and appropriately summarizes and synthesizes the material presented in the report.
References (not included in the word count):
You can use the APA reference style. Your final report will have at least 10 academic sources—aim to have at least 4 in the draft. Please remember that incorrect citation can constitute plagiarism and is grounds for giving an report zero, irrespective of the quality of the report.
Figures (not included in the word count):
If appropriate you may use figures to support your argument. These must be referred to in the text (e.g., “see figure 1, which shows, etc.”) and you must also provide a caption and citation. A figure should not replace text but can be used to provide more detail to a reader and augment the points you are making in the report.
GRADING RUBRIC
Final Report
Content of draft
1. Critique of textbook
· Include a thesis statement (1 point)
· Support that statement with evidence (1 point)
· Minimal description, move toward evaluation, analysis, and critique (1 point)
2. Proposal of new chapter
· Rationale of the new chapter (1 point)
· Detailed outline of its contents with subheadings and bullet points (1 point)
· Minimal description, move toward evaluation, analysis, and critique (1 point)
Appropriate identification of readings
· Identified at least four academic sources not including the textbook (1 point)
· These additional sources are appropriate in terms of the topic outlined (1 point)
References and style
· Quality of grammar, clarity of writing, and structure of draft (1 point)
· Inclusion of all sources both in-text and in the list of references. Adherence to the APA style (1 point)
Final Report
In the final report you will be assessed not only on the quality of the content of your report, but also (1) your attention to the assignment requirements; (2) your use of key concepts; (3) your ability to evaluate, analyze, and critique the chosen topic; (4) the quality of your writing.
