Discussion Paper Guidelines ESOn4007


This class deals with complex ideas that require regular and thorough completion of reading and
engagement with ideas. To ensure that you do the reading, you are required to complete discussion
papers on course readings, to be posted in the homework vaults of the IS page for the class.


Guidelines for the reading responses are as follows:


·         They should be a minimum of 350 words in length

·         They are due by THURSDAY at 11:00 before each session with compulsory reading, but don’t
hesitate to send your paper even if it is late.

·         These writings can be quite informal, but thoughtless or cursory thought pieces will not
receive credit. They must be in your own words, and must respond to the readings.

·         The writings must include:

o   The main argument of each text, preferably summarized in 2-3 sentences

o   At least one, but preferably several, discussion questions, which you can present in class to
guide our joint exploration of the topic(s) for the session. It must be a question that allows us
to enter into a discussion on the text, not just some clarification question. Often such question
can contain a critique of the text.

o   Links with something you have recently seen in the media, your surroundings.


·         These writings will be graded 1-5 points, according to the guidelines below. This is to
provide you with some idea about how I expect you to engage with the readings.


(4-5 points): An excellent paper. You clearly understand and engage with the readings and focus on
major points/arguments from them. You are able to cohesively tie the readings together (if there is
more than one). You make sophisticated connections from the readings to the real world. This is
reserved for truly excellent responses that provide thoughtful discussion questions.


(2-3 points): A good paper. You make a good attempt to engage with and understand the readings, to
tie them together and to address major arguments, or points of interest. You may also make good
connections from the readings to the real world. But your analysis remains more of a surface
reading/summary and you may have forgotten to provide discussion questions.


(1 point): A weak paper. You seem to have done some of the reading but do not demonstrate a clear
understanding of the major points/arguments. There may be some factual errors/misunderstandings
that could have been avoided from more focused reading. You don’t really engage with the reading or
provide discussion questions.