Assignments 1) Individual: Essay #3: Explaining a Concept a) Following the directions in chapter 5 of Axelrod & Cooper, you will choose a concept that interests you enough to study further. Write an essay explaining the concept. Consider carefully what your readers already know about the concept and how your essay can add to their knowledge. b) You can choose concepts that you are studying in another course or concepts that relate to your volunteer or professional work. Here are some possible scenarios: i) If you are a volunteer for a community center or social service agency, consider concepts that relate to these services, such literacy, education, faith-based initiatives, community, poverty, homelessness, hunger, addiction, the inner city, class, or addiction. ii) If you are taking several classes, check with your other teachers about concepts that are important in those classes. Topics might include nonverbal communication, mitosis, respiration, leadership, or worldview. You are choosing an academic major and want to explain it to your family. iii) Other situations in daily life can generate ideas: If you get stuck in traffic, urban sprawl might be to blame. Other topics could be life in the big city, personal safety, or an aspect of your job. c) Students should demonstrate the ability to i) Gather fresh, interesting information ii) Use a clear organizational pattern and thesis iii) Incorporate modes/strategies of writing such as definition, exemplification, and description d) Requirements for the essay: i) The essay should be 1000-1250 words long, with a short Works Cited or References page. ii) Your essay should meet the qualities described in chapter 5 of Axelrod & Cooper. e) Writing Process i) This week: (1) Brainstorm topics and ideas for your paper. Axelrod and Cooper provide several strategies. Prepare a one-page outline of your Explanation and submit it to the instructor. (2) Prepare a rough draft of your Explaining a Concept paper based on the above specifications. Post it in the document sharing area of your CLC group’s section. ii) Week 7: Submit the Final Draft to the instructor. 2) Collaborative Learning Community: None