Academic Writing Research Essay

Choose an issue discussed in class that you consider the most pressing for Canadian society today. Once you have chosen an issue (ie. Gender, Race, the Environment, Unpaid Work, Drug Production), you must relate this issue to one of the four models discussed in the first weeks of the course. You MUST choose an issue discussed in this course. Your task is to put forward a coherent integrated argument about your topic’s impact on the quality of health in Canada today (ie. How the biomedical model reinforces drug production and the implications that has on health status in Canada). • Consider both empirical evidence (what is the current state of affairs and why) and normative arguments (is the current state a good one or what should change) to advance a clear thesis statement. • You may narrow your topic and include a discussion of recent events, if applicable, but be sure to rely in the majority of your paper on established academic sources. • Be sure to define important terms and the scope of your argument in the introduction. • In your discussion, draw from different parts of the course material to substantiate your claims. EXPECTATIONS AND RESEARCH AND WRITING ADVICE The essay assignment involves the critical examination of your question, which requires research and critical reflection. It does not involve writing an op-ed style opinion piece or a manifesto-style polemic but rather must show original thought and evidence of a balanced argument and investigation. That is, you should think of opposing arguments and respond to them in your paper. The readings listed in this course outline and at the end of textbook chapters might be a good way to get you started on your research, but you are not required to use them. You should search out as many sources as possible to comprehensively answer the question, using a variety of sources e.g. journal articles, books and book chapters, and reliable internet sources. Do not rely on introductory textbooks as your main sources and do not rely exclusively on one source for all of your information! The research essay should be polished (6-8 pages – no more than 2500 words – wordprocessed or typed and double-spaced Times New Roman with 12 point font, no spelling errors) and with appropriate title page, footnotes and bibliography. Make sure that you refer consistently and accurately to the sources of your information. APA referencing style is preferred. Marks will be taken off if grammar or spelling errors detract from the clarity of the argument. We will devote some time in lectures to the assignment. You are further encouraged to meet with me during my regular office hours or right after class to discuss your ideas for the essay. EVALUATION CRITERIA Your essay will be evaluated on the basis of: 1) the quality of the argumentation; 2) the strength, depth, and breadth of the evidence you assemble to defend that position; 3) your facility with key terms, concepts and vocabulary; 4) clarity of writing with correct grammar, spelling, paragraphing and so on; 5) your use of a standard form of academic documentation (bibliography, citations, etc.). SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS The paper is due at the end of the day (i.e. before midnight). Please submit the assignment to [login to view URL] through the course Blackboard site: Go to "Assignments" in the left hand column and then select "view/ complete" under the "Essay" heading and follow the steps to submit the paper. Make sure you see a confirmation page and receive a confirmation number. For a detailed description including all options on how to submit the paper, please see the turnitin/blackboard manual ([login to view URL] [login to view URL]).