City Reader’s

 

The required book City Reader’s link is here:

https://books.google.ca/books?id=xIBkX8edoewC&printsec=frontcover&hl=zh-CN&source=gbs_ViewAPI&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false

Please read the word document instruction very carefully. Everything in it should be followed.

Please note: a formal essay needs a strong thesis statement at the end of the introduction; each body paragraph should have a topic sentence and supportive details; conclusion should restate the thesis and have some effective and meaningful sentences.

Foundations of City Studies
Assignment II: Review Essay

The learning objective of this assignment is to enhance library research and reading comprehension skills by selecting, synthesizing, and appraising scholarly texts in major debates in City Studies.

Students are required to write a review essay of four (4) texts, one chosen from a thematic section of their choice in the City Reader and three individually researched peer- reviewed articles from social sciences and/or humanities journals.

BONUS: Students can earn 1.5 bonus marks if they fill out and submit a research skills worksheet by November 15 through Quercus. You can find the worksheet under course materials in the Module. Late submissions will not be accepted for bonus marks.

Do not simply summarize each reading. The objective is to carefully synthesize the arguments, discuss the contribution of the texts to a wider debate, and highlight differences and similarities among the four texts. Make the individual texts “talk” to one another. The idea here is that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Your paper will be evaluated with a rubric for this assignment.

You must include the Research Paper Checklist, posted under course materials in the Module, with your paper. There will be a 2% deduction for papers submitted without completed checklists.

Topics: This assignment allows you to gain a deeper understanding of important debates in the field of City Studies. You are encouraged to carefully review all thematic sections and individual chapters in the City Reader, including editorial introductions, and choose one reading that interests you. Let your intellectual curiosity guide you. From that reading, you will develop a research topic and identify additional readings (peer-reviewed journal articles) you want to include in your review essay. Please consult the research skills worksheet on how to develop an essay topic from the reading chosen.

Format:

• Approximately 5 pages, double-spaced, 12-point font (aim for approx. 1300-1500 words)

• Include page numbers

• Put your name, student number, course code and teacher’s name on the top of the first page (no cover page)
• Provide a title for your essay

• Indicate somewhere at the end of the assignment which citation style you have used and provide a word count.

Recommended structure of the assignment

1. Introduction (approx. ½ -1 page)
2. Body paragraphs (approx. 3 pages)
3. Conclusion (approx. ½ -1 page)

Do not use the above as actual subheadings. This is a recommended structure, not a suggestion for actual subheadings. Use paragraphs and clear paragraph transitions to internally structure your essay. If you are developing a thesis (an argument) you would organize your paper by sub-theses; if you are presenting and assessing perspectives then you might organize your paper by comparing and contrast arguments. How your organize your paper will depend on the points you are making, and how you are making it.

Research Paper Rubric

Criteria

Paper Focus:
Purpose/

Position
Statement

Analysis

Evidence (Sources)

Insufficient-Marginal Adequate Developed
0-11.9 points 12-13.9 14-15.9 points
Fails to identify a relevant Identifies a relevant Identifies a relevant
research topic or is not clearly research topic with research topic with a good
defined and/or the paper lacks adequate scope. The scope. While the
sufficient focus. thesis/organizing idea thesis/organizing idea could
could benefit from benefit from further
further development. development, it provides
sufficient direction.

0-17.9 points 18-20.9 21-23.9 points
Demonstrates a lack of/limited Demonstrates adequate Demonstrates good
understanding and inadequate understanding with understanding, with some
analysis of the research topic simple analysis of the critical analysis, of the
and thesis/organizing idea. research topic and research topic and
Analysis is superficial or limited, thesis/organizing idea. thesis/organizing idea.
based on opinions and Some summary of Summarizes perspectives,
preferences rather than critical perspectives, counter- counter-arguments, or
analysis. arguments, or opposing opposing positions,
positions, grounded in grounded in the texts
the texts selected. selected. Broader
connections and/or
implications are not as
thoroughly explored
0-17.9 points 18-20.9 21-23.9 points
Lacks sufficient research sources Provides adequate Provides sufficient evidence
to support the central position evidence to support the to support the central
and/or, if included, are generally central position. Some position. Most of the (4)
not relevant, accurate, or of the (4) required required sources are
reliable. Contains numerous sources are relevant, relevant, accurate, and
factual mistakes, omissions, or accurate, and reliable reliable and/or
oversimplifications. Sources, if and/or appropriately appropriately referenced
included, are not properly referenced and cited in and cited in the paper.
referenced and cited in the the paper.
paper.

Accomplished

16-17.9 points

Identifies a relevant research topic and a thesis/organizing idea that provides excellent direction for the paper with some degree of interest for the reader. The thesis/organizing idea states the position, premise, or hypothesis, and is the focal point of the paper for the most part.

24-26.9 points

Demonstrates an understanding and strong critical analysis of the research topic and thesis/organizing idea. Compares/contrasts perspectives, counter-arguments, or opposing positions grounded in the texts selected. Excellent exploration of connections and/or implications.

24-26.9 points

Provides essential, accurate evidence to support the central position with the required (4) research sources including (3) peer-reviewed articles that are all relevant, accurate, and reliable. Sources are referenced and cited appropriately throughout the paper.

Exemplary

18-20 points

Identifies a relevant research topic and a thesis/organizing idea that provides direction for the paper that is engaging and thought provoking, The thesis/organizing idea clearly and concisely states the position, premise, or hypothesis and is consistently the focal point throughout the paper.

27-30 points

Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding and careful, critical analysis of the research topic and thesis/organizing idea. Compares/contrasts perspectives, considers counter arguments or opposing positions, grounded in the texts selected, and draws original and thoughtful conclusions with future implications.

27-30 points

Provides compelling and accurate evidence to support in-depth the central position beyond the required research sources. Peer-reviewed articles are highly relevant, accurate, and reliable, add to the strength of the paper, and are effectively referenced and cited throughout the paper.

Total

/20

/30

/30

1

Research Paper Rubric (continued)

Criteria Organization

Insufficient-Marginal

0-5.9 points

Paper lacks logical organization and impedes readers’ comprehension of ideas. Central position is rarely evident from paragraph to paragraph and/or the paper is missing multiple required components (introduction, body, conclusion, reference list, etc.)

Adequate

6-6.9

Paper is somewhat organized, although often, ideas from paragraph to paragraph may not flow well and/or connect to the central position or be clear as a whole.

Developed

7-7.9 points

Paper is organized, although occasionally ideas from paragraph to paragraph may not flow well and/or connect to the central position or be clear as a whole. Includes most required components.

Accomplished

8-8.9 points

Paper is adequately organized. Ideas are arranged reasonably with a progression of thought from paragraph to paragraph connecting to the central position. Includes required components.

Exemplary

9-10 points

Paper is effectively organized. Ideas are arranged logically, flow smoothly, with a strong progression of thought from paragraph to paragraph connecting to the central position. Includes all required components.

Total

/10

Writing Quality &

Adherence to

Format

Guidelines

0-5.9 points

Paper shows a below average/poor writing style lacking in elements of appropriate standard English and following proper citation guidelines. Frequent errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage, and/or formatting.

6-6.9

Paper shows an average and/or casual writing style using standard English and following citation guidelines. Errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, usage, and/or formatting, sometimes interfere with the communication of ideas.

7-7.9 points

Paper shows a well-developed writing style using standard English and following citation guidelines. Some errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, usage, and/or formatting, but it does not interfere with the communication of ideas.

8-8.9 points

Paper shows an above average writing style and clarity in writing using standard English and following citation guidelines. Minor errors in grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage, and/or formatting.

9-10 points

Paper is well written and clear using citation guidelines and standard English characterized by elements of a strong writing style. Generally free from grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage, or formatting errors.

/10

TOTAL POINTS (sum of 6 Criteria)

– 3% late deduction per day, including weekends -2% deduction if checklist is not submitted with assignment
÷ 5