Writing Assignment: Literature Review

Writing Assignment: Literature Review

The paper should not present a persuasive argument that favors a point of view.  Instead, construct a fair analysis of contrasting viewpoints.  It should also demonstrate your understanding of the material presented in the book by applying concepts and theories to the current event. Do not simply write soliloquies, visceral rants or unsubstantiated generalizations; present a thoughtful, reasoned analysis.

Groups

• Groups will consist of 4 – 5 members
• Groups are assigned
• Within a group, each member will choose an individual topic for their own research and post on the group’s discussion board
• Within your group, a topic can only be chosen by one member, each member must have a unique topic
• Discuss each other’s topic, provide opinions, viewpoints, sources and suggestion; help each other

Peer Review

• Each member will send a copy of their rough draft to another group member for peer review
• Rough drafts can be emailed, or use of collaborative sites (ie, google docs)
• After the peer review is completed, return, with edits and/or suggestions to the author
• Peer review assignments will be posted on your group’s discussion board
• Each member is responsible for emailing their rough draft, and completing a review of another member’s rough draft

Outline

• Select a topic.  Choose from the list Suggestion for Topics or present a different topic to the instructor for approval.
• Using your group’s discussion board, post the issues pertaining to your topic.
  • Part of your overall evaluation will be your level of engagement on the discussion board.
  • Help each other, provide alternative ideas or viewpoints.
• Write a rough draft, present it to one group member for review.
• Review another group members rough draft, provide feedback.
• Submit your final paper for grading.

Due Dates

• Topic Selection: Monday, September 28
• Rough Draft to Peer: Monday, November 16
• Peer Review Returned: Monday, November 23
• Final Paper Submission: Monday, November 30

Expectations

• Use concepts from the book. You are trying to demonstrate an understanding of the material.
• Use third person.
• Do not use first person, first person plural (I, me , us, we).
• Margins: 1″ top and bottom, 1.25″ sides.
• Fonts: Calibri, Times New Roman, Garamond, 12 point.
• Expected minimum length is three pages, double spaced, (750 – 1000 words excluding title, heading and work cited).
• Research from Wikipedia ProCon.org is not acceptable college-level research.

Writing Tips For Objective Writing

• Objective writing is fact writing, verified through evidence, statistics and research.
• Do not use opinionated, prejudiced or exclusive language.
• Try not to over-exaggerate your writing.
• Do not use rhetorical questions.
• Do not use trendy expressions, clichés, and imprecise language.
• Rhetorical question are not appropriate for academic writing.

Other Writing Tips

• Simple writing is powerful writing.
• Variety is the spice of essays. Vary the lengths of sentences and paragraphs to avoid becoming mechanistic and monotonous.
• Have your paper proofread.
• Use spell/grammar check.