CDNS1001R Studying Canada

1. Introduction The Introduction tells the reader what to expect in your essay. It is not sufficient, however, to state your subject. A good “hook” provides context for your essay. Your introduction should situate your essay in relevant research literatures and/or issues facing Canada and Canadians. In other words, tell the reader why this topic is an important issue of study. Provide a research question and thesis statement. 2. Content the basic information provided in your essay, including your account of the topic and major issues to consider. Introduce and define key concepts. A major consideration is your ability to present an adequate account of the research material or data without being too descriptive. 3. Sources and Citation There are countless potential sources for interdisciplinary Canadian Studies research essays. Have you identified and used sources that help you describe your topic and support your analysis? !!!!!!!!Use at least 5 academic sources!!!!!!! Are they relevant? Are they too dated? Depending on the topic, this includes identifying and using key academic sources and /or public policy sources (legislation, programs, polls, etc.). You can use other sources (e.g. news stories to supplement your research. This is a research essay. Use course readings as initial sources when beginning your search. The Carleton University Library provides a Canadian Studies subject guide (https://library.carleton.ca/research/subject-guides/canadian-studies) that is a useful starting point for research in Canadian Studies. Given the nature of the course, many other subject guides (https://library.carleton.ca/research/subject-guides) are helpful, including the Government Information page You can ask Martha Attridge Bufton for help. She is the Canadian Studies subject specialist in the library and created the research skills videos for this course. Use the Questions forum or email her. Alternatively, if you are on campus, you can visit the Research Help Desk, which is located on the main/second floor of the MacOdrum Library. Check the library website (www.library.carleton.ca) for hours. You are expected to use the Chicago author-date style in your citations and your use of sources listed in your bibliography. See the style guide at  To avoid the serious charge of plagiarism (using the ideas and information of others without acknowledging that they are not your own), references must be used (please see the course outline for a detailed discussion of academic integrity). Citations should be provided when you use the information or ideas of others. THEY ARE NOT ONLY USED IN CASES OF DIRECT QUOTATION! However, know when to cite. Over-citation (e.g. every sentence) interrupts the flow of a paper. The bibliography should include all sources consulted and used during the research process. You will not receive a good mark for this section if you compile a good bibliography but rely extensively on one or two sources (this is also applicable to the content section and, ultimately, the critical analysis section). 4. Analysis It is not enough to present information on a given subject. Equally important is the degree to which you have analyzed the material and supported your thesis statement and answered the research question. Do not make unsupported claims or statements. Avoid opinionated or dogmatic statements.Other issues to consider include links to course objectives, possibilities for future research, and the policy and/or political implications of your research topic and analysis. 5. WritingGood structure and organization, an effective writing style, and the proper use of language greatly strengthen the transmission of ideas. Poor writing weakens the essay. Avoid one-sentence and long paragraphs. Write directly using an active voice. Avoid jargon. Feel free to use “I” in your paper. Students frequently have problems with grammar, syntax, and spelling. To overcome these problems, finish a draft of your essay a few days before the deadline. This allows you to edit your paper and catch typos and grammatical errors (as well as more substantive problems in your paper). It will also give you a fresher perspective on your work. Read your paper aloud, as this will help you to discover if your paper reads smoothly and easily (it also helps you identify long sentences). You can also contact Carleton’s Writing Services for help. 6. Organization (2 points) Good organization is critical. Organize your essay in a logical and coherent fashion so that the information, ideas, and arguments are communicated effectively. Develop an outline before you begin writing; this ensures that the information you present does not contradict your thesis statement. MY CHOSEN SUBJECT (Gender equality is a professed Canadian value, yet inequality persists. Can meaningful equality ever be achieved? Why or why not?)