Renaissance Man Position Paper Assignment
Respond to the following statement.
Ever meet someone who seems to be fantastic at everything he or she does? Does that
individual seem to be the “Complete Package” and seem to “Have it All”? Can he or she
“Master” anything they try? The term “Renaissance Man” has traditionally been linked
with multi- disciplinary intellectuals such as Leonardo Da Vinci (see pages 44-45 in Legacy
Textbook).
Name someone who is alive today that should be described as a “Renaissance Man” or
“Renaissance Woman”. Your selection should be an individual who has become an “expert”
in several different fields ( i.e. Justin Timberlake is a consummate entertainer and is a multidimensional performer with many talents: he can sing, dance and act! Martha Stewart has
conquered the world of business, is also an accomplished cook and is renowned for her
quality taste in decorating and interior design). In a 1 page position paper, prove that this
person is worthy of such a rare compliment.
Leonardo Da Vinci,
Martha Stewart and
Justin Timberlake…
How to Write a Position Paper
- 1 page (front and back)
- Full sentences
- About 3 pieces of evidence
- Proper footnotes citing all
referenced material
Part 1: Introductory and
Thesis statements
Introduce the topic and state
your thesis
Example “Although St.
Edmund Campion has
received some bad press
lately, it is one of the best
schools in Brampton.”
Part 2: Main Body
Use a piece of evidence to support your thesis
Example “One of the reasons that St. Edmund Campion is so great is that many of the teachers
who work there have developed great relationships with both students and parents. A recent survey
of St. Edmund Campion students suggests that over 90% of students say that they get along with
and deeply respect at least one of their teachers.”
Repeat this about three times using different evidence
Part 3: Conclusion Statements
A final statement should summarize your paper and should specifically demonstrate how your
evidence proves your thesis correct.
Example “With a great staff, lots of extra-curricular activities and a amazing principal, it is clear
that St. Edmund Campion is a great school that deserves to be considered as one of the finest
schools in all of Brampton.”
****The “Standard History Position Paper Rubric” will be used to evaluate the assignment****
Standard Position Paper Rubric
Criteria
Level
0
0
Below
50%
Communication
Effective use of Language
Level 1
not
reached
Evaluation
0
Level 1
Level 2
0
1
1+
2-
2
2+
3-
3
3+
4-
4
4+
50 52%
53 56%
57 59%
60 62%
63 66%
67 69%
70 72%
73 76%
77 79%
80 84%
85 89%
90 100%
Limited use of
proper spelling,
grammar and
sentence
structure
Paper is written
with a limited
sense of flow
and purpose
1-
1
1+
is almost always
historically
inaccurate or
irrelevant to
assignment.
11
1+
Thinking & Inquiry
Level 1 Ineffectively
Research and Arguments
not
reached
Evaluation
Application
Referencing Style and
Examination of Canada’s
Identity
0
Level 1
not
reached
Evaluation
General Comments:
0
Level 4
1-
Knowledge & Understanding
Level 1 The Thesis is
Support of Thesis
not
poorly
Use of accurate Historical
reached supported.
information
Information used
Evaluation
Level 3
formulates
arguments. Few
sources are
relevant.
1-
1
1+
APA format
used with limited
accuracy
1-
1
1+
Some use of
proper spelling,
grammar and
sentence
structure
Paper is written
with some sense
of flow and
purpose
Considerable use
of proper
spelling,
grammar and
sentence
structure
Paper is written
with a
considerable
sense of flow
and purpose
33
3+
Thorough and
effective use of
proper spelling,
grammar and
sentence structure
Paper is written
with a strong sense
of flow and purpose
The Thesis is
adequately
supported.
Information used
is usually
historically
inaccurate or
irrelevant to
assignment.
22
2+
The Thesis is
well supported.
Information used
is seldom
historically
inaccurate or
irrelevant to
assignment.
The Thesis is
supported in a
highly effective
way. Information
used is never
historically
inaccurate or
irrelevant to
assignment.
44
4+
Adequately
formulates
arguments.
Some sources
are relevant
Thoroughly
formulates
arguments.
Utilizes a variety
of sources which
are relevant
33
3+
Exceptionally
formulates
arguments.
Utilizes a variety of
sources which are
superior
44
4+
APA format
used with
considerable
accuracy
33
3+
APA format used
with a high degree
of accuracy
2-
2-
2
2
2+
2+
APA format
used with some
accuracy
2-
2
2+
3-
3
3+
4-
4-
4
4
4+
4+