Does not confuse Africa with other regions or topics (such as the Middle East or African-American issues).
Assignment Instructions: Write a 500-WORD ESSAY summarizing any knowledge, experiences, and preconceptions you may have about Africa. You may also discuss media and other stereotypes of the African continent, and what you hope to learn/gain from the course. You will not be graded or ‘judged’ on your preconceptions, depth of knowledge, or lack thereof!! (Feel free to write in first person for this essay.)
Please note: Your essay should be written in proper essay format with appropriate use of language/word choice, paragraph development, sentence structure, grammar, etc. Avoid using informal/colloquial language, including contractions and ‘sayings’ that are commonly used verbally, but do not constitute formal written language. You may use first person “I’ for this essay.
Required Format:
Proper formal essay structure including indented and well-organized paragraphs, proper language use, grammar and spelling, etc. You may use first person for this essay. No sources necessary.
Assignment Heading (aligned to left of page):
Full name
WORD COUNT (minimum of 500 words)
Assignment Title (centered on page directly above essay body- may make up your own title or use assignment title)
Double-spaced and 12 pt., New Times Roman font
Rubric
Reflection Essay 1 Rubric
Reflection Essay 1 Rubric
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFormatting
5 pts
Satisfies all required formatting (assignment heading, etc.)
3 pts
Missing one formatting requirement.
1 pts
Missing two or more of the requirements and/or inconsistent formatting
0 pts
Missing all or most of the requirements.
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent
20 pts
Effectively conveys current understanding of Africa, no matter what level of knowledge student has. Does not confuse Africa with other regions or topics (such as the Middle East or African-American issues).
15 pts
Discusses knowledge and preconceptions of Africa but does not stay “on topic.”
10 pts
Communicates knowledge and/or preconceptions of African issues, but may conflate Africa with other regions and/or topics
5 pts
Poor communication/writing and/or does not fulfill essay instructions/topic
0 pts
Content does not address Africa
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization
10 pts
Clearly organized with introduction, body paragraph(s), and conclusion. Includes thesis statement and topic sentences for each paragraph.
8.33 pts
Very minor organizational issues.
6.67 pts
Good organization, but missing thesis statement OR introduction/conclusion.
5 pts
Significant organizational errors.
3.33 pts
Significant organization issues and missing thesis statement OR introduction/conclusion, and missing thesis statement OR introduction/conclusion
1.67 pts
Multiple organizational issues that significantly detract from the reader’s ability to understand the topic(s) and essay in general.
0 pts
No topic sentences, paragraphs are much too short or long, hard to follow progression of ideas
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeMechanics
10 pts
No grammatical or mechanical mistakes.
8 pts
Minor grammatical and/or mechanical mistakes.
6 pts
Grammar/mechanical issues and use of informal language.
4 pts
Grammar/mechanical issues that impact readability; and use of informal language.
2 pts
Significant amount of grammar, spelling or other mechanical errors and/or use of informal/inappropriate language.
0 pts
Enough errors that it detracts from reader’s ability to understand. Has not spell-checked, etc.
10 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWord Count
5 pts
Meets word count requirement of 500 words.
3 pts
Less than 500 words but only slightly under word count, or word count includes long direct quotations., but content is effective
0 pts
Significantly fewer than 500 words
5 pts