The research assignment requires ability to use the Library's electronic search tools as well as following cited sources to find useful material. Students who must be absent for blocks of time should arrange with the professor and classmates to assist in keeping up with their work. Essays briefly identify and describe two or three key ideas students find interesting in each assigned chapter or article and offer evaluation of the importance, validity, or practical application of each idea. The essays are intended to encourage reflective reading and informed in-class discussion. A reference list need not be included with the essays, but in-text parenthetical citations must be given with quotations and use of ideas from the readings.
Students use their essays to discuss the readings in class.
Essays will be given a grade of 1, satisfactory, unless there are problems or the essay is exceptionally good. Readings essays cannot be submitted late. Topical Research Paper Students write a research paper on a topic drawn from course materials. Papers present research from the scholarly literature on the topic, offer analysis and evaluation of the concepts presented, and assess the implications for public service. The literature review will consist of three parts as noted below.