CIT 202 B: The Human Journey Seminar II Assignment Sheet for EXPOSITORY ESSAY 1 MINIMUM LENGTH: 3 PAGES | DUE: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 RD BEFORE 11:59 PM
Every CIT 202 course requires three formal academic essays of expository writing with reflection on fundamental questions and the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. A formal paper meets the style-guide standards outlined in the course syllabus. An academic paper investigates its thesis statement with evidence, reasoned argument, citations, and language and topics appropriate for college-level writing. Expository essays interpret and explain a text with close reading, critical thinking, and attention to details. Part of the purpose of this assignment is to give you a chance to connect the dots of your own thinking. Treat these papers as an opportunity to deepen your reflection while also demonstrating your understanding of the course texts and themes. You will not be graded on holding the correct opinion. Rather, you will be evaluated on the quality of your analysis and your willingness to reflect upon and engage these questions and themes with depth. INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXPOSITORY ESSAY 1 1) Choose any ONE reading from the first six weeks of the course. 2) Write a 3-page (minimum) paper explaining how your chosen text represents ONE of the following four fundamental questions of the human journey: a. What does it mean to be human and what is my relationship with God? b. What does it mean to live a life of meaning and purpose? c. What does it mean to appreciate the natural world? d. What does it mean to form a more just society for the common good? EXPECTATIONS Essays will include a clear thesis statement. A good thesis statement presents your key points in one or two sentences and answers the question, What does this essay say? Essays will be well organized so every paragraph expresses one main idea. Your essay does not need to follow the formula of a 5 paragraph theme. Essays will use the first-person strategically and only as needed. You are welcome to write with I-statements. Essays will include detailed references to the chosen reading in the form of short quotations and paraphrasing with citations. Strong writing includes many of references to the text and avoids big block quotes unless they are absolutely necessary. Essays will explain all those references in your own words. Do not just quote the reading, but also show why this quotation is important to your argument. All essays will include a works cited list in the appropriate style (MLA or Chicago). No outside research is required for this assignment, but you are permitted to do further reading if you so choose. Make sure to include all references in your works cited list. Essays will be well edited. Be proud of the work you turn in by minimizing spelling and grammatical errors, avoiding contractions (Dont use dont!), and fixing typos. Essays should be at least three full pages. Essays may be longer if needed. GRADING: Students will be evaluated on their attention to directions, formatting guidelines (see the syllabus), demonstrated effort, quality of their thesis statement, use of substantial textual evidence to support the thesis, development and explanation of content, and the organization, clarity, editing, and quality of writing. Late papers will be penalized according to course policies.
