Write an evidence-based expository essay that answers this research question:
Have barriers to housing in the Hartford area changed over time, and if so, how?
Write an essay (of no more than 2,000 words, including notes) that presents a clear and insightful thesis in response to the question above, and supports it with appropriate evidence and persuasive reasoning. Your essay must include:
- Historical evidence – drawn primarily from sources listed on our syllabus (plus any others you may wish to include, though finding more is NOT an expectation for this assignment)
- Qualitative and/or quantitative evidence – drawn from our seminar’s collaborative note-taking and thematic coding of the CFHC tester reports (restricted access)
Your paper will be evaluated on the following criteria:
1) Does the author present a clear and insightful thesis (main argument) in the introduction that responds to the assigned question?
2) Are the author’s claims supported with appropriate evidence? Is the reasoning persuasive and well developed? Are counter-arguments adequately addressed?
3) Is the essay well organized with smooth transitions between focused paragraphs? Does it include sufficient background for audiences unfamiliar with the topic?
4) Does the author choose precise and meaningful wording, with fluent syntax and correct grammar and spelling?
5) Does the author cite sources in a standard academic format (such as Chicago-style footnotes, or MLA/APA in-line citations with a bibliography) so that readers may easily locate them?
[Exception: Since the CFHC files are not publicly available, you may cite them using a simpler, abbreviated format, such as: (CFHC case 69A, p. 25).]
Write your essay in a word-processor such as Microsoft Word or Google Documents. This is NOT a WordPress assignment because the writing may not be made public.
This essay is subject to our CFHC confidentiality agreement and may NOT be shared with anyone outside of our seminar, but they will be shared (without names) with CFHC staff.
If you wish, you may include images (such as tables, screenshots, etc.) to illustrate a point in your essay, but only your writing will be evaluated. By themselves, images will not raise or lower your score.
Since our seminar collaborated on collecting and coding the CFHC data, students are encouraged to discuss their data analysis ideas and share drafts with one another, as long as their written essays represent their individual work.
Submit your essay in blind-review format (do NOT include your name anywhere) by the end of Monday, October 8th. You MUST name your file in this format, using your own birthdate, to allow it to be matched to the author AFTER all essays have been evaluated.
Paper1July16.doc (or .docx)
Upload your paper by using this JotForm link to my personal Dropbox.