ATS2625- Research Essay Word limit: 2,000 words Weighting/Value: 50%
ATS2625- Research Essay Word limit: 2,000 words Weighting/Value: 50%
Details of Task:
Research and write 2000 words responding to one of the essay questions below. Your central argument or response in relation to the essay question must be clearly supported by the use of evidence from two case studies from different parts of the world (cases or places of migration, situations in particular receiving or destination countries of migration or the experiences of particular groups of migrants). You must employ a relevant concept or theory or related theories that best frames your response and case studies. Your essay needs three elements: a response to the question, theory and case study evidence.
Response or Argument
You must provide a clear answer or argument in response to the essay question and maintain this position throughout the essay. You must support this with the theory you chose and case study evidence you must research and provide. When you provide this evidence make it clear what points you are trying to highlight with it.
Theory
You must link an explanation of your chosen concept or theory (or more than one) with your argument or response and highlight how these connect with the case studies presented. You many choose theory that has been covered in lectures, required readings or in previous assignments. You may also include theory presented as part of case study material that you find and use in your essay. As part of your explanation of the theory you may define key concepts and terms with reference to the literature (not dictionaries). This provides a basis for your analysis of your case studies.
Case studies
Use case studies to provide real-world evidence that supports the theory used and the response or argument in your essay. A case study should be a specific example, preferably an ethnographic study (of cases or places of migration, situations in particular receiving or destination countries of migration or the experiences of groups of migrants).
Research and Evidence
You must discuss and research each of these elements in relation to your question or topic. You must clearly reference any opinion, theory or evidence you present with relevant social science sources from academic books and journal articles found through independent research. Anthropology and migration studies sources are preferred. At least five (5) independent (not unit readings) sources should be referenced (and more than 20 is excessive). No marks will be awarded for relying solely on case study material taken from unit readings.
Personal opinion
Make sure you have evidence to back up any personal opinion you express or arguments you make. These will be examples from books and journal articles you have researched and should be properly referenced.
Essay Topics
The media and politicians have focussed on the issue of boat people, queue jumpers, people smugglers and ways of stemming the tide of arrivals. Are these campaigns simply part of policing illegal behaviour or do they contribute to broader trends in the criminalisation of migration?
Many female migrants from developing countries work as maids in richer, developed countries. Does this employment offer them greater independence and opportunities, or is it exploitation?
The presence of undocumented migrant workers has become an important political issue in many countries. How is illegality produced? What are the ramifications if or when undocumented migrants are treated as illegals?
Many counties now have complex migration and border regimes that deter some migrants but encourage others. This has been described as a system of global apartheid. Do you agree?
In what ways and due to which factors do migrants experiences of home change when they leave their homelands?
Some people in the West still draw on an assimilationist paradigm when they voice concern about migrants continuing expression of Arab and Islamic culture. How else might we understand migrant cultural practices and processes of integration?
Some analysts have argued that multicultural policies are the best way for countries to manage the cultural diversity resulting from large-scale migration. However, in some countries, multiculturalism has increasingly been seen as a cause of ethnic tensions and a threat to national cohesion. Discuss.
Much recent migration research stresses the importance of transnational networks and practices. What are these new transnational forms of participation and do transnational solidarities undermine the nation-state and national harmony and security?
Are contemporary anti-immigration movements simply reactions to globalisation and neo-liberal economic policies or are they based on something else?
Some advocates suggest that what are seen as the problems of international migration might be solved by more holistic policies that also take account of global human development. Discuss this nexus between migration and development.
Can migration and migration studies be decolonised and what steps must be taken for this to occur?
PRESENTATION & SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Word limit: 10% under or over the prescribed word limit is allowable but more than this will be penalised. Headings, notes and bibliography are not included in the word count. (Highlight text to be counted {minus notes and bibliography} > go to Review > Word Count)
Referencing:
You are required to use the in-text Harvard Referencing Style (Author, Year: Page) including a full alphabetically organised bibliography at the end. See https://guides.lib.monash.edu/citing-referencing/harvard2020-intro
Presentation requirements:
Only text files accepted (.doc; .docx) no PDFs
Use 12pt Times New Roman for your text and 1.5 paragraph spacing (this is much easier to read and mark immediately earning you goodwill from your marker!).
Include page numbers on every page.
Use British English spelling.
At top of Page 1 of your Assignment list: Student Name, Unit Name or code and Assignment Title (as above) making it clear what option you have selected
Run and add your word count to top of Page 1.
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE YOUR ASSIGNMENTS ARE SUBMITTED ON-TIME: Check the 'Submission' box to make sure your submission has been successful and screenshot it for backup.
Final Checklist
Identify what the question is asking and make sure you have answered it and addressed every part. Have you presented these ideas or arguments logically and coherently?
Have you included appropriate research? At least 5 sources from the social sciences.
Check headings and structure. Suggested structure: a) introduction- (brief explanation of response, theory & definitions, evidence and structure of essay); b) context/background to case studies; c) discussion of case study evidence; d) conclusion.
Have you formatted according to instructions: Assignment details included? Word.doc file; TNR 12 pt Font;1.5 spaced, page no.s and word count.
Is your referencing and alphabetical bibliography in the correct style?
Marking Criteria Rubric
CRITERIA RELEVANT & COHERENT Response or argument to question/topic (20) Application of APPROPRATE concepts and theories to response & evidence (20) APPROPRIATE Independent research and analysis of case study evidence (20) PRECISION & CLARITY of expression (15) CLEAR Structure & Presentation: required details, style, structure (15) QUALITY OF REFS Citations, referencing, bibliography (10)
F <50% No apparent response or argument provided or incoherent, unevenly, unclearly or weakly presented. Fails to use, identify or relate any relevant key concepts or theories; misrepresents concepts/theories or applies them inappropriately. No presentation or analysis of independently collected data or case study evidence (e.g. only use of class readings) Uses mainly lay/informal/ inaccurate language and requires further proofreading; English expression mostly difficult to understand No assignment details; style inaccurate; introduction and conclusion both missing; overall essay structure unclear. Inappropriate or no references provided. Lack of citations. Plagiarism present or due to poor referencing or bibliography missing.
1-10 1-10 1-10 17 17 14
P
50 59% A response to question/topic and provision of an argument evident but not clearly or coherently presented evenly throughout essay (in Intro, Discussion & Conclusion) Identifies one or more relevant key concepts or theories but does not explain fully and/or accurately nor applies clearly to response or argument and/or to case study evidence. Very little appropriate independently collected data or case study evidence and inadequate analysis. Uses mainly lay/informal/ inaccurate language or requires proofreading; English expression often difficult to understand Some assignment details missing; style inaccurate; weak or absent intro or conclusion. Essay structure unclear. Some references and bibliography present but inappropriate, incomplete or missing. Citation skills poor.
1112 1112 1112 8 8 5
C 60 69% Clear response to question/topic and/or provision of an argument apparent throughout essay (in Intro, Discussion & Conclusion) Identifies and explains accurately one or more relevant key concepts or theories but does not apply clearly to response or argument and/or to case study evidence. Adequate provision of appropriate independently collected data/evidence but analysis not clear throughout essay. Uses some accurate, precise language appropriate to topic with mixed results. English expression is average. Assignment details and style correct. Overall essay structure including intro and conclusion clearly present. Appropriate references present, alpha ordered bibliography and citations present but some inaccuracy found.
13-14 13-14 13-14 910 910 6
D 70 79% Clear response to question/topic & provision of an argument/position throughout with evidence of independent critical thinking. Successfully and explains accurately one or more relevant key concepts and applies to response or argument and to case study evidence. Provision of appropriate independently collected data/evidence and analysis clearly provided. Uses accurate, precise language appropriate to topic and English expression is good throughout essay All details and style correct. Overall essay structure clearly present and well signposted. Introduction and conclusion both coherently presented and linked. Appropriate and accurate references and citations present supported by accurate and alpha ordered bibliography.
1516 1516 1516 11 11 7
HD2 80 - 89% Insightful response to question/topic & provision of an argument/position throughout. Independent critical thinking demonstrated throughout essay Successfully identifies and applies one or more appropriate concepts/ theories to response or argument and the evidence. Presents in an integrated or thematic way throughout essay (in Intro, Discussion & Conclusion) Clear presentation and description of appropriate, independently collected data/evidence and analysis clearly provided evenly throughout essay. Uses sophisticated language and accurate, precise terminology and English expression is excellent throughout essay All details and style correct. Overall essay structure clearly present and well signposted, which is coherently reflected in both the intro and conclusion. Conclusion recaps well the main points. Appropriate and accurate references present supported by accurate and alpha ordered bibliography Citations well-presented and used to support analysis.
1718 1718 1718 1213 1213 8-9
HD1 90%+ Insightful response to question/topic & provision of an argument/position. Impressive or innovative independent critical thinking demonstrated throughout essay. Excellent and eloquent critical engagement and application of most appropriate concepts/theories to response or argument and the evidence. Presents in an integrated or thematic way throughout essay (in Intro, Discussion & Conclusion) Skillful presentation and description of appropriate, independently collected data/evidence with insightful analysis clearly provided evenly throughout essay. Uses eloquent language of a publishable standard throughout essay Style and structure of a publishable standard Citations have been selected and presented artfully. All referencing guidelines followed perfectly.
19-20 19-20 19-20 1415 1415 10
GRADE______/100 - - - - -
ATS2625 ESSAY WORKSHEET (ARTE)
As a way to get started on your essay begin filling out this worksheet. A tutorial workshop will be held to assist you with this preparation.
Step 1: Select Question or Topic
Step 2: State your Argument or Response to 1 (AR)
Step 3: What concepts or Theory(s) support or relate to your position? Include references (T)
Step 4: What Evidence will you use to support your (E): (list your 2 case studies with references)
1.
2.
Step 5: Write an introduction that briefly introduces all these elements (2-3 paragraphs).
