RS 361E
Essay Guidelines
Page 1 of 2
Purpose: to develop your ability to interpret and critically analyze the course materials (readings,
lectures, concepts, etc.).
Format: typewritten, single-spaced (12 point “Times” font—the same font used in this syllabus-with one inch margins) 2 page essay (printed on both sides of one sheet of paper) on an assigned
question. Note: I stop reading at the end of the second page so don’t bother to turn in more unless
it gives you a special thrill!
Late Papers: Late essays are marked down 10 points (out of 100) during each 24 hour period of
lateness. If you need an extension for up to two essays, you must arrange it no later than the end of
the prior class.
Assessment Criteria for Essays.
1) Level of Understanding of the Relevant Course Materials. Does the essay accurately
represent the arguments and concepts in the assigned texts and lectures? Does it do so in
a manner that demonstrates that the student has digested these ideas for herself so that
she can explain them in a new and illuminating way using her own thoughtful analogies,
examples, and turns of phrase?
2) Level of Critical Analysis. Does the essay make thoughtful insights and connections
(between authors and/or concepts) either not already made in the assigned texts and
lectures or not as fully developed therein? Does it extend the author’s logic by showing
its practical implications? Does the essay offer strong arguments (reasons) to support its
conclusion? Does it consider the best counterarguments?
3) Quality of Writing. Does the paper use good writing? For example, does it have a clear
and engaging title, introduction and conclusion, paragraphs with topic sentences, wellorganized arguments, headings that point to the thesis of each section, proper spelling,
grammar, and citations to page numbers? Does it follow an accepted manual of style
such as Diana Hacker, A Writer’s Reference. 5th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2003
(at the Writing Center)]?
4) Writing Center Bonus Points. For each draft marked up by the Writing Center in
Loyola Hall Room #1 (tel. 458-4039) and attached to the back of the essay, you will
receive 3 additional points up to a maximum of 9 points. You may be required to attach
such a draft after the first paper.
Note: I drop your lowest essay.
Plagiarism (see Hacker, 331 ff) includes a failure to properly cite and acknowledge the sources of
words, arguments, and ideas that are not your own. It will typically result in a failing grade for the
course.
Suggestions
1. Minimize summary of stories, assigned readings, etc. (or avoid summary by instead explaining
arguments using your own analogies, examples, etc.) and maximize argument and analysis.
This means thinking through the connections or tensions between the ideas in the assigned texts
rather than paraphrasing what the texts and lecture notes say.
2. Evaluate your essay drafts by asking: “What level of understanding of the course concepts (e.g.,
individualism) does this display through its application and analysis of these concepts?” “How
can this essay demonstrate an even deeper grasp?”
RS 361E
Essay Guidelines
Page 2 of 2
3. Never go beyond 1/3 of the essay for the first task. Make it shorter than 1/3 if you can do so
effectively.
4. For most people, writing a good two-page essay requires writing at least four pages and then
selecting the best of those four pages for your two-page essay. The Writing Center can help you
edit.
5. Use every inch of the allowed two pages single-spaced.
6. In constructing your argument, avoid statements such as I feel, I believe, my opinion, and
instead offer arguments (reasons) that support your thesis (and consider counterarguments that
might challenge it.)