During the semester, we have discussed a number of concepts and theories about the way cities and urban areas are governed. You will now be asked to utilize this knowledge to develop a thesis-driven research paper on a particular policy area within New York City. The paper should explore one of the three topic areas upon which we settled earlier in the semester.
Assignment: Using research from outside sources, as well as your knowledge of the theories of urban politics, write a short research paper that addresses a problem or question from one of the following three New York City policy areas (broadly understood):
Assignment: Using research from outside sources, as well as your knowledge of the theories of urban politics, write a short research paper that addresses a problem or question from one of the following three New York City policy areas (broadly understood):
- Affordable Housing (generally, making sure that homes and apartments are available to all, regardless of economic status)
- Anti-Terror Policies/Policing (Any aspect of law enforcement in the city, but especially focusing on anti-terror efforts)
- The Bloomberg Environmental Plan (w/ specific focus on the congestion pricing plan)
Your paper should have a strong thesis: it should adopt a strong point of view (or “take a stand”); be specific and limited in scope (it can’t too big to cover in a short research paper); and should be arguably true (it shouldn’t be patently obvious, like “cities are complicated”).
Your paper should be 7-8 pages, double-spaced, and typed with 1” margins. You should state your thesis clearly in your first paragraph. Also, use the first paragraph to lay out the structure of the essay (“Below, I will do X, and then Y, and then Z”).
Research and Sources: Research papers require you to support your argument with outside sources; however, this is not an excuse to simply string together a series of quotes and pass it off as your own work. You must organize others’ ideas and arguments yourself, using your own words, while taking care to give credit to others. You should limit the number of direct quotes you use in your paper; in general, if you quote more than 20-25 lines, you’re relying too much on your sources’ writing (and you will be penalized). Please remember that all information derived from your sources must be cited, even when you restate others’ ideas in your own words.
All citations should be properly formatted. I prefer Chicago/Turabian citation style, but you may use whichever format you would like as long as you use it consistently. Internet research sources are suitable for this assignment, but be aware that many sites are sponsored by advocacy groups and their objectivity and accuracy cannot be assumed. Wikipedia can provide useful background information and links, but is often poorly sourced and should NOT be cited as an authority. Citations to the Internet should be sufficiently specific so as to allow a reader to arrive at the same web page where you found the information.
Deadlines: The essay is due in class on Tuesday, December 18. Late papers are subject to penalties as described below (see section on “Grading”). You also have the option of submitting a draft of the paper on Tuesday, December 4. This deadline is optional, but I strongly suggest you submit a draft. I will provide extensive feedback on these drafts, and can correct many minor problems with formatting that can lead to grade reductions. If you do take advantage of the draft deadline, however, you must attach the draft, with my comments, to your final submission in December.
Just to be clear, these again are the deadlines:
Thursday, December 4 First Draft Due (optional)
(I will return drafts with comments in class 12/11, or earlier if you arrange it with me)
Thursday, December 18 Final Draft Due (w/ sources attached)
(first draft attached if applicable)
Grading: I’ve included below my standard criteria for grading paper assignments (these are the same as the last paper). Your paper will be assigned a letter grade largely based on these criteria. Please note that if you hand in your essay late, without a valid and documented excuse, I will immediately deduct a full letter grade from your grade for the assignment. However, you should also note that if you do not leave me enough time to grade the paper before the semester ends, you will receive an “F” for the assignment.
Grading Criteria
A Expresses complex, independent thought with grace, clarity and force. Its purpose is clear from the start: it contains a thesis that is imaginatively, logically, and precisely developed. Not only is the paper organized, the organization does not seem mechanical or imposed. Any source material included is balanced and smoothly integrated into the essay. Each topical paragraph has a controlling idea, solid detail, and smooth transitions. The sentences are varied in length and structure. The writer chooses concrete, specific words and uses them correctly, employing diction that is distinctive and mature, with effective metaphors and analogies for clarity and emphasis. The essay contains no colloquialisms, clichés, or trite expressions. It is virtually free of grammatical and mechanical errors.
B Contains a clear thesis statement supported with good examples. The writer controls the essay’s development by arranging the examples supporting the thesis in an orderly and logical fashion. The essay is well-organized, but transitions are sometimes strained. Any source material included is smoothly integrated, and some independent conclusions are drawn. Each topical paragraph has a controlling idea and good supporting detail. The sentences are usually varied. The word choice is generally correct. The writer often goes beyond the automatic word choice to find one more precise and effective. The paper is generally correct mechanically, though there are some problems with complex grammar and punctuation traps.
C Contains a recognizable thesis and adequate development. Though the paper has some interesting parts, the interest is not uniformly maintained and the purpose is not always clear. There are very few errors in sentence structure by the sentences are not varied. The word choice is generally correct, but the range of words is limited, and in some cases the wording is abstract and imprecise. Source material included is relevant but not carefully integrated. This essay also has errors in syntax, spelling and punctuation. More importantly, it lacks an original, significant purpose or point of view.
D Meets only the minimum requirements of college writing. The writer approaches the topic in a conventional and predictable manner. The essay lacks imagination and insight. Though it still contains a thesis, it is poorly or mechanically developed. It also lacks adequate support of generalizations. Source materials are cited improperly, are not directly relevant, and/or overwhelm the essay. Some principle of organization is apparent but it is not successful followed. The diction is often imprecise and monotonous. The writer uses vague, ordinary words and relies on clichés and jargon. The essay contains sentence fragments, run-on sentences, and numerous basic errors in syntax, agreement, reference, spelling, and punctuation.
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