Essay Assignment
The topic for this research paper is deceptively simple: When and how did we become "human?
This assignment is a Position Paper in which you are to take a position on the topic (based on your personal understanding of the material presented in this class) and support your position by reviewing, discussing and citing reputable research sources.
A. Your first paragraph must explain your definition of what it means to be "human", ending with a thesis statement that encapsulates your plan to support your position.
B. IMPORTANT: This assignment covers only from the past 2.5 million years ago to today.
a. DO NOT include discussion of species prior to 2.5 million years ago.
b. DO NOT include discussion of the development of bipedalism for this assignment.
C. Present and analyze the current scientific research regarding this topic.
D. Your paper must end with a clear and concise conclusion that recaps your argument and restates your thesis.
So ... how do I do this?
1. Introduce and define the scope and focus of your paper in a concise thesis statement that appears at the end of your first paragraph. A thesis statement tells the reader what the paper is about.
2. Support your position as stated in your thesis. Ways to support your position include discussing physical aspects of hominin evolution over the past 2 million years (what changed, what species, what impact?), genetic aspects of hominin evolution over the past 2 million years (what derived, what species, what impact?) and/or cultural aspects of hominin development (what changed, what species, what impact: changes in stone tools, social group behaviors or interactions, symbolic representations, etc.). What is your supporting evidence for your position on when did hominins become "human" in the last 2 million years?
3. Read and refer to at least three different sources (more sources are recommended). DO NOT use Wikipedia or similar crowd-contributed websites as sources of information for this paper. Talk with the college reference librarian for help in finding appropriate research for your paper. You may use links in the class power points to research further sources for your paper (NOT the power points themselves).
4. Recap and conclude. Your conclusion must include a restatement of your thesis and clearly reference your analysis and position on this topic.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
1. The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.