Paper Criteria
You will have the opportunity to write an 8-10-page paper in which you critically examine your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and actions in relation to the course readings on the issues of race, gender, social class, and homophobia in physical education, coaching, or other fitness related fields. You must represent all positions accurately, fairly, and will appropriate completeness. You must critically engage the ideas discussed in this course in a coherent, well structured, thoughtful, and reflective manner. I expect you to use the readings as references in your paper. Your paper needs to include the following three things: 1) you beliefs about race, gender, class, age, and sexuality; 2) the experiences you have had that have helped shape your beliefs; and 3) how your beliefs will influence your ability to become a socially just teacher, coach, athletic director, fitness professional etc. Use the text and articles for part 3 of the paper. This is where the critique will take place. You may use other references as well, but you are not required to. Please to use APA format for your paper (see handout).
1. Write your paper on the topic assigned.
2. Provide a clear thesis sentence(s). What is the purpose of your paper? What do you intend on discussing in your paper? Within the first two paragraphs I should know what your paper is about and what main points you will be discussing.
3. Provide backing and warrant to any claim that you make: do not assume you are right. Backing can be done in a variety of ways. One of the most effective ways is to state your claim, connect it to the literature you are using and cite the reference, provide one or two examples that illustrate your point.
4. You need to have transitions between ideas, and between paragraphs.
5. Avoid rhetorical questions. If you ask a question in your paper you need to answer the question.
6. I encourage you to read each other's papers. I also encourage you to seek help from the writing center. They will proof read your papers if you ask and provide guidance on structure. ALWAYS use spell and grammar check on the computer.
7. Use the APA guide for citing references (see handout, or the APA manual in the library).
8. You are to use the readings from this class as references. This is not an opinion paper it requires references.
9. Your paper needs to 8-10 pages, double-spaced.
10. Do not use sarcasm to make your point; it is not an effective writing technique for this particular type of assignment.