You must complete 2 module essays within the course (each of which is worth 15% of your final grade for a total of 30%).

You must complete a module essay for Module 1 of the course, however, you can then choose whether you wish to complete an essay for Module 2 or Module 3 for a total of TWO module essays.

Each week you will be provided (on the web page for that week) an ESSAY QUESTION for that week.  You can choose which ONE of the four essays to complete for that module.

Each of these essays will represent 15% of your final grade for the course.  The titles for these essays can be found on each topic webpage.

These essays should be a minimum of 1,500 words (not including references) to answer them comprehensively.

a. DEADLINE FOR MODULE ESSAY SUBMISSION

The module essays will be submitted via the Canvas/Elms website (see details below), and the deadlines for each respective essay are as follows:

Module I Essay [MANDATORY] - Sunday, October 19 @ 11:59pm

Module II Essay [OPTIONAL: either this or Module III Essay] - Sunday, November 23 @ 11:59pm

Module III Essay [OPTIONAL: either this or Module II Essay] - Sunday, December 14 @ 11:59pm

Be warned: The CANVAS/ELMS website will not accept any module essays after their due date and time.  If you fail to submit them on time, you will not receive credit for your module essay.

b. SUBMITTING MODULE ESSAYS

You will submit each module essays on the appropriate page of the ASSIGNMENTS section on the CANVAS/ELMS website for this course. 

The module essays will be submitted via an “MS Word attachment” on the Assignment Page of the CANVAS/ELMS website.

c. STRUCTURE OF MODULE ESSAYS

Each module essay submitted via the CANVAS/ELMS website should include the following elements: 

1. 1. Essay Number and “Title” (not included within the 1,500 word count)
   

2. 2. Body of Text: A minimum of a 1,500 word response to the questions posed by the assignment (structured according to the evaluation criteria outlined below)
   

3. 3. A full Reference List including all the works cited (either through direct quotation or paraphrasing) in the body of the assignment.  This Reference List should use the format outlined in the Style and Format page of the course website.
   

d. CONTENT OF MODULE ESSAYS

When answering assignments it is fully expected that you will use--and reference accordingly--pertinent concepts and ideas drawn from lectures, readings, and video clips.  In addition, you are expected to utilize information relevant concepts and ideas derived from your own research into the assignment topic. 

For each essay, you also need to engage and use (either through paraphrasing or direct quotation) interpretations, insights, or information from a MINIMUM OF THREE appropriate academic sources in addition to those provided on the topic web page.  Make you look closely at the appropriate academic sources page to see what the expectations are in that regard.

e. FEEDBACK ON MODULE ESSAYS

For each essay, you also need to engage and use (either through paraphrasing or direct quotation) interpretations, insights, or information from a MINIMUM OF THREE appropriate academic sources in addition to those provided on the topic web page.  Make you look closely at the appropriate academic sources page to see what the expectations are in that regard.

In order to produce superior quality work, it is vital that you utilize the assistance and expertise of your TA.  Much of the time in discussion sections will be devoted to the focus, structure, and content of the module essays. 

However, you are also strongly encouraged to submit draft versions of your essays prior to the final submission date.  Your TA will then provide you feedback on your draft essay and suggestions how to improve the structure and content of the final version. 

In order for the TA to provide feedback, you must make an appointment to meet with the TA during their office hours to retrieve your essay.

The deadlines for submission of draft essays for feedback from your TAs are as follows:

Module I Essay [MANDATORY] - Sunday, October 12 @ 11:59pm

Module II Essay [OPTIONAL: either this or Module III Essay] - Sunday, November 16

Module III Essay [OPTIONAL: either this or Module II Essay] - Sunday, December 14

e. GRADING CRITERIA FOR  MODULE ESSAYS

The module essays will be graded according to the following criteria: