Assignment Instructions
This course component requires that you write a 5-page paper (excluding title and reference pages) examining the topic of Trafficking across the U.S.-Mexico border
Requirements
A) at least 5 pages (excluding title, abstract, and references pages);
B) A total of at least seven distinct (largely peer-reviewed) sources used and properly cited and referenced;
C) APA 6th edition format and style throughout;
D) Paper organized using 5-7 headings (i.e., Introduction, Conclusion or Recommendations, and the 3-4 main aspects of your research).
The grading criteria is based on the below APUS rubric for written assignments.
Content (50%), i.e., essay illustrates exemplary understanding of the relevant material by thoroughly and correctly addressing the relevant content; identifying and explaining all of the key concepts/ideas; using correct terminology explaining the reasoning behind key points/claims and substantiating, as necessary/useful, points with several accurate and illuminating examples. No aspects of the required answer are missing.
Use of Source Information (20%), i.e., credible scholarly sources are used to give compelling evidence to support claims and are clearly and fairly represented. APA format and style is used accurately and consistently. Required number of references used in the development of the assignment.
Grammar (20%), i.e., paper is clear, concise, and pleasant to read as a result of appropriate and precise use of terminology; total coherence of thoughts and presentation and logical organization; and the essay is error free.
Structure of the Paper (10%), i.e., a high-caliber, formatted paper that includes an APA cover page, abstract, page number, headers; is double spaced in 12-point Times New Roman font; and conforms to the specific number of required written pages.
Note: While there are typically several good aspects to some student papers, please note the common issues that I encourage everyone to be well aware of and prevent in their submissions.
1. Content – A submission that is largely a restatement or summary of the available information with little, if any, further analysis does not demonstrate an advanced understanding of the issue(s).
2. Sentence structure, composition, grammar – If there are more than 4-5 mistakes in a paper, the submission typically does not demonstrate an appropriate mastery of the rules of writing expected at this level. As a practical comparison of expected capabilities, in the busy professional setting, management and executive personnel have little patience for material that is unclear and/or ineffectively stated. Few will care what you have to say if it is not communicated it in a clear, precise manner.
3. Format – APA format and style is relatively simple, and there are readily available reference materials built into the course. There is little reason to have to lose (easy) points for not having this aspect well in-hand.