Module 2 Assignment (HUMN 3981)
Assignment 2: Economy and Society (17.5%) Instructions and Submission
Introduction
Now that you have completed the activities and discussion for Module 2, you are ready to do Assignment 2 and submit it to your Open Learning Faculty Member for evaluation.
This is an upper level course and your essay assignments must show that you have done extra research to expand and go deeper into the topics that you choose. You may use and cite the module’s readings for your essay assignments, but you are expected to do more than merely restate what you have read in this module’s material. Show original thought by providing examples and illustrations relevant to the topics; marshal evidence that supports your views; and demonstrate that you have undertaken some further reading (and always cite your sources!). Please note: If you rely only on this module’s readings and material to complete this assignment, you will not be able to attain the highest grades for this course.
This assignment is out of 100 marks and is worth 17.5 per cent of your final course grade.
Instructions
This assignment has two parts:
- Part A: Short Critical Reflection (30 marks)
- Part B: Essay (70 marks)
Part A: Short Critical Reflection (30 marks)
Write a short reflection synthesizing the main issues of the module as reflected in the readings (300–500 words).
Your critical reflection should present your own thoughts and responses to the reading(s). Thus, it is an interaction between the ideas in the reading and your own interpretation and response to what you have read. This is not simply a summary of the readings, but also your critique that comments on the ideas you agree and ideas you disagree with. Do not be afraid of making comparisons with Canada.
The critical reflection is a polished piece of writing that will be assessed using the same criteria as any piece of writing. It should include an introduction, a body that presents your thoughts clearly and logically, and a conclusion. You may write in the first person, but be sure to refer to some of the ideas that are introduced in the reading.
Part B: Essay (70 marks)
Write an essay of 750–1000 words on one of the following topics.
- Explain how European and American imperialism has helped to shape the forces that give Latin America its unity.
- Illustrate one example of land use and discuss the forms of farm labour it uses and its impact on the environment. Why is farm labour still poorly paid even today in Latin America? Try to connect your answer to the very low prices paid by consumers in the developed world such as Canadians.
- Explain the factors that contributed to the debt crisis in Latin America. How has this been resolved?
- Explain how the process of industrialization in Latin America has created environmental problems.
If you have not already done so, be sure to consult TRU Library’s research guide “Latin American Studies” research guide.
For additional general guidelines on conducting research, see TRU Library’s “Get Research Help” web page.
If you have any questions about the assignment, consult your course Open Learning Faculty Member. When you have completed the assignment, save your file as a Word document and upload it to your Open Learning Faculty Member for comments and evaluation using the submission area below.
Note
Submit Assignment 2 as soon as conveniently possible so that it can be returned to you before you complete the next assignment.
Keep a copy of your assignment before sending it to your Open Learning Faculty Member for evaluation. That way, you have a copy to refer to during a telephone conversation or email conference with your Open Learning Faculty Member.
Also, in the unlikely event that your assignment is lost, you will have an extra copy of your work. Many student writing manuals suggest that students keep copies of all early drafts of their work as well, to protect themselves against mistaken charges of plagiarism.
Criteria for Evaluating Assignments
Here is a set of criteria that will form the basis for evaluating the essay portion of the written assignments.
Substance (75%)
- The essay provides evidence of critical thinking and analysis as well as synthesis of researched information throughout, and presents a logical and persuasive argument.
- The essay incorporates the concepts and associated terms that were introduced in this module.
- Research sources are relevant, current, and credible. They are clearly documented in the paper.
- The introduction offers a sense of direction for the paper and presents a clear thesis statement to the reader.
- The body develops the necessary aspects of the main idea and provides examples, support, or illustration for each aspect of the main idea.
- The conclusion summarizes the main points and ties them to the thesis; it also presents an impact statement and/or suggests direction for future research.
Writing Style and Format (25%)
- Paragraphs are unified, developed, and coherent, with transitions between ideas. Sentences are grammatically correct; words are chosen for accuracy and impact. The writing follows the conventions of spelling and mechanics (punctuation, etc.).
- The format follows the MLA documentation style accurately and consistently. (Consult the TRU Library “MLA Style Guide.”)
NOTE THIS FOR REFLECTION PART: Your critical reflection should present your own thoughts and responses to the reading(s). Thus, it is an interaction between the ideas in the reading and your own interpretation and response to what you have read. This is not simply a summary of the readings, but also your critique that comments on the ideas you agree and ideas you disagree with. Do not be afraid of making comparisons with Canada.
The critical reflection is a polished piece of writing that will be assessed using the same criteria as any piece of writing. It should include an introduction, a body that presents your thoughts clearly and logically, and a conclusion. You may write in the first person, but be sure to refer to some of the ideas that are introduced in the reading