Assignment Objectives:
Demonstrate the capacity to identify a research topic appropriate to the course material;
Undertake a succinct and accurate Research Essay appropriate to the assigned length of the essay;
Structure a successfully written discussion of a topic of the students choosing, relevant to the course;
Articulate a cohesive discussion of the topic within a well planned and organized essay;
Demonstrate writing skill, including the correct use of grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation;
Demonstrate a basic grasp of the topic at hand;
Locate/create and apply a STRUCTURED Teaching Activity appropriate to the topic, at the grade level of the
students choosing.
Assignment:
This Research Essay puts Assignment #2 (Outline and Expanded Bibliography) into action. Apply the resources
and outline from Assignment #2 to writing this essay. Incorporate the feedback from Assignment #2 into your
written essay.
Write a ~6 page (1500 – 1800 words) paper, including the following elements:
o A scholarly and informative discussion of the topic you chose for Assignment #2, including at least the 4
additional scholarly theological resources on the topic that you identified in that assignment. You are
welcome to include additional resources, beyond the 4 you identified in Part I of the Research Essay
(Assignment #2);
o Identification of at least 3 key points;
o Ways you might address the topic in a teaching situation (grade level of your choosing – please
indicate), including a STRUCTURED Teaching Activity (not an entire unit). Elements of a well
structured teaching activity include:
Identification of the intended grade-level.
Statement of the Learning Objectives of the activity.
Statement of the broader context (e.g., unit or lesson plan) in which this activity occurs.
The materials required for the activity.
The activity itself.
Some means of assessing student learning following the activity.
o Describe the details of this Activity in an Appendix (not included in your word/page count), rather than
take up space in your essay proper. For more regarding an Appendix:
o logy_experimental_report_writing/tables_appendices_footnotes_and_endnotes.html
o A short, personal theological reflection on why you chose the topic you did and what you have learned
over the course of your research and writing.
o Include a Cover Page (not included in the word/page count. Feel free to be creative with your cover
page, but ensure that all relevant information (i.e., your name, the date, the course number/title, the
assignment number, the title of your essay, the professors name, and the scholarly format) is included
and you meet the requirements of academic integrity o You need not include the Expanded Bibliography or Outline from Assignment #2. A standard
bibliography is expected (not included in the word/page count).
Apply the Chicago Style Format consistently and accurately throughout your written essay and in your
bibliography. For general information regarding citing and referencing, see:
https://guides.library.ualberta.ca/citing.
Type (12 point font) and double-space your essay, with standard margins.
Demonstrate in your writing:
o Scholarly integrity and fair representation of your sources (i.e., provide a reference page with accurate
and complete references to your resources, reference appropriately in the body of your paper, according
to your scholarly format, and accurately represent the information you are referencing);
o Organization, clarity, and readability;
o Correct grammar and inclusive language, including spelling, punctuation, vocabulary, and sentence
structure.
Re: Marking:
o See Assignment Marking Criteria (below) and Essay Writing Guidelines and Tips (in the Important
Documents Section of Canvas) for more detailed instructions regarding your research essay.
Recommendations:
o Do not leave your writing to the last minute.
o Proofread your work before submission.
o Have someone else proofread your work before submission, e.g., The Academic Success Centre, Writing
Services.
Submit your assignment, AS A WORD DOCUMENT to me via Canvas.
Format your file name as such: YOURLASTNAMECourseNumberDate (e.g., FAWCETT250September1). I will mark
your assignments using the Track Changes feature in Word and return them to you via Canvas.
Assignment Marking Criteria:
Your essay will be marked based on the following sets of criteria: Research and Content, Teaching Activity, Writing
Skill, and Personal Reflection. Each set of criteria will receive a comment based upon how well the criteria are met.
The comments (and their rough percentage ranges) are: Excellent (86-100); Very Good (74-85); Good (66-73);
Satisfactory (58-65); Poor (50-57); Unsatisfactory (0-49). The final percentage mark is a qualitative assessment of
your work based on all four sets of criteria. I will also provide comments and feedback throughout your paper.
o Research and Content: Sufficient use of appropriate scholarly theological (and other, where applicable)
resources; relevant information presented accurately, fairly, and with scholarly integrity; research
appropriate to essay length; cogent and well-organized discussion, demonstrating insight, judgement,
and understanding; balanced presentation.
o Teaching Activity: Articulates a grade-appropriate STRUCTURED Teaching Activity – grade level
indicated (see Elements outline above); adequate documentation and description of Teaching Activity in
Appendix.
o Writing Skill: Clear, well structured, flows well, interesting, consistent style; correct spelling, grammar,
punctuation, and vocabulary; inclusive language; consistent and accurate format, bibliography/reference
page, and referencing; appropriate length.
o Personal Insights/Reflection: Relevant to topic and sources; depth of thought; reach sound conclusions
with coherent reasoning; present a reflection on the projects personal and theological/spiritual impact;
demonstrate thoughtful analysis, understanding, and application of the material. Please note: use I
statements in your reflection; this is about why you have chosen this particular topic and how it