Theories of difference and diversity ” Scoping Paper”

Order Description
The Scoping Paper, Assessment 2, is an initial draft of Assessment 3, the Analytical Essay. It builds on the work undertaken in Assessment 1 by focussing critical reflection, analysis and scholarship on a topic of personal interest and real world experiences, events or problems. It applies and extends the work on the themes and questions identified for Assessment 1, and references any of the theories of Difference and Diversity addressed in the unit to discuss and analyse your chosen topic. As there is no set topic for this assessment there is significant flexibility for you to choose a topic of particular interest to you. The topic you choose might, for example, reflect your academic, personal or professional interest in an issue or question related to difference and diversity. The topic should be negotiated with and approved by the unit coordinator.

Given that this is a formative and preparatory assessment, feedback on Assessment 2 will inform the development of the Analytical Essay (Assessment 3).
The Scoping Paper may take a number of forms, including, but not limited to:
• An academic essay on a topic of interest;

• A topic/issue based on personal experience;
• A policy or document analysis;
• A position paper that makes recommendations for policy or practice;or Development of a professional/workplace action plan, policy or professional development initiative;
• Development of a professional/workplace action plan,policy or professional development initiative;
• A creative output with accompanying paper that illuminates the purpose of the output.
Whichever form the scoping paper takes, it will comprise the following elements:

STATEMENT OF TOPIC:
Clearly state your chosen topic.

RATIONALE:
Explain why this topic is important, to whom and for what purpose. Indicate what you hope to achieve, what contribution the paper makes to your own thinking or practice and/or what contribution it might make to the thinking or practice of others.

ARGUMENT:
Make your position on the topic clear and summarise the key points of the argument or position you intend to develop in the paper. Consider the relevance of the topic to your personal, academic or professional context. Indicate which of the key theories, concepts, or questions discussed in the unit issues you will draw on. Note which readings you will draw on, how you will develop your argument, what other positions you will discuss and how you will counter them. Scope the development of your argument from its introduction, the discussion, reflection and analysis of information and research relevant to the topic, and indicate what conclusion, resolution or recommendation you hope to work towards.
REVIEW OF RELEVANT LITERATURE:
Identify key literatures – theories, research papers, policies, documents, reports and so on – that will inform your paper and help develop your argument. Systematically summarise, synthesize, reflect on and critique the literature relevant to your topic. Make sure to identify key theories, themes, foci, concepts and institutions as discussed in class (relevant handout available) and locate these within your own personal, academic or professional context. You should develop an annotated bibliography of relevant texts that will inform your Analytical Essay (Assessment 3).

AN INDICATIVE PLAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ANALYTICAL ESSAY:
As this assessment is a first stage of developing your Analytical Essay, indicate what work you consider is necessary to develop the scoping paper into the final and extended version required in Assessment 3.