The reflection papers will consist of a 4–5 page reflection on the content of ASSIGNED CLASS
READINGS and VIDEOS. Students are expected to provide summaries of the assigned readings
and videos for each week, based on their understandings but also with a clear identification of
what issues are discussed in the readings and video.
Guidelines:
1. What is the main focus of the specific readings (What is the author seeking to discuss)? How
does this compare to the assigned video and other readings?
2. Identify the main themes/issues highlighted in the readings and discuss them in specific
paragraphs (how are the themes presented?). Do the themes of the readings have anything in
common with the assigned videos?
3. Explain how the themes/issues are relevant or irrelevant to the main focus of the reading and
videos.
4. Explain whether the author/director has been successful in presenting his or her ideas. Did
they make any unsubstantiated claims?
5. Students must make comparison of assigned readings and videos (a minimum of FIVE
examples are required). What issues discussed in the readings are similar (i.e. comparison
between readings and video)? Are there any striking differences? Cite specific examples
6. If there is more than one reading, the essay must make comparisons to highlight their
similarities or differences.
Style: Do not editorialize!
7. Avoid personal references (ex. I feel…, I think …, In my opinion…)
Instead: It is apparent from the author’s choice of words that he… etc.
8. Use the present tense in the essay: ex. James highlights …., the authors discuss … etc.
9. Paraphrase specific quotes from the readings to illustrate your points. But, be specific about
the issues you are discussing.
10. Underline the title of books (except when written in italics)
Format: Your essay must follow the following format
a. Introduction: A paragraph introducing the main focus of the essay and the main issues
highlighted in the readings and videos.
b. Body: The body of your essay comprises of a point-by-point discussion of the themes/issues
identified in the readings and videos. The points are separated by paragraphs. Hence, the2
body of students reflections must comprise of paragraphs with each paragraph making a
separate but specific point
c. Conclusion: The reflection must have a closing paragraph that sums up all that has been
discussed in the body of the essay.
d. Citations: In-text citation of class readings or other texts used in the essay are very
important (required). Students may use any of the citation styles highlighted in the following
examples:
APA (American Psychology Association):
Example – (Asante, 2019, p.14)
MLA (Modern Languages Association):
Example – (Asante, 14), or placing the exact page number after the quote: (14)
Chicago:
Example 1 – (Asante, 2019, 14) or Asante (2019, 14)
Example 2 – (Abarry & Asante, 1996, 14) or Abarry & Asante (1996, 14)
e. Works Cited: The reflection paper must have a works cited page listing the full information
of cited works (author, title, publisher, year etc.)
f. Title Page: All reflection papers must have a title page which must have the specifics of the
assignment (name of student, class information, assignment, name of instructor etc.)
g. Summary: Since this is not expected to be a particularly long paper, a good reflection paper
must have at least six (6) solidly well-thought-out paragraphs:
Introduction
Five or Six important points; one point per paragraph
Conclusion
A student who is writing the minimum 4 pages will submit a paper of 6 pages (i.e.1
cover/title page + 4 pages of essay + 1 work cited page = 6 pages. Likewise, a student
who is writing 5 pages of essay will submit a paper of 7 pages (i.e. 1 + 5 +1 = 7). Note
that 4 pages is the minimum, and students may write more than 4 pages.3
Miscellaneous:
1. Spelling: Students must make sure they spell check their papers before turning them in.
2. Grammar: Students must use the correct grammar in writing their reflections
3. All reflection papers MUST be typed in Microsoft Word using a 12 point font. The paper
MUST also be double spaced.
VIDEO TO WATCH:
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