This Review essay will give you the opportunity to explore the theoretical implications of the general STS readings in relation to what could be a possible research project. This is a take-home review essay: you may use notes, books, or other supporting materials from the class in answering your essay. Your essay should be no more than five (5) pages double-spaced type (not including references cited), and should be turned in electronically before class on Monday, 11 February 2019 by email as an attachment (I do not accept printed copies for grading).
No outside research is required (or expected) for this review essay. If you are not familiar with the topic that you want to explore, you may want to do a quick search to ensure that you know something about it, but I would recommend choosing something that you are familiar with (because you may care more about it). You may need to read ahead, if for example you want to do research on a topic that will come up later on in the term (e.g., GMO food policy). A good answer will be more argumentative and less descriptive. Make sure you have a clear line of argument, supported by specific evidence from the readings, films, and lectures. For textual citations, even though you are using class material, you should have a bibliography.
I strongly recommend your using Zotero for building up a bibliography, because this will save you time later on in the semester and help you efficiently manage your research project. Please use in-text citations as described in the class style guide. You are encouraged to use resources such our library’s information specialists, classmates or the Writing Center to help you clarify your argument, but all work in the end should be your own. For insight into how I evaluate essays, please see the “Teaching Philosophy” section of my website, especially the handout on making an argument.
Think of this as a thoughtful exploration of a possible research topic; in the end, this essay may or may not be connected to your final project. If it is, then you’ve started it and can more easily move on to the next hurdle (group proposal/bibliography due 18 February 2019). If this essay is not connected to your final research project, you’ve saved time and effort later on because you’ve eliminated your chosen topic for this essay as your final project!
Please don’t hesitate to contact me or meet with me during office hours (or by appointment) if you have any questions about this essay. I will not look at drafts submitted less than one week before the due date, but if you want to talk about what you have, I’m willing to go over it with you.