GU101 Student Success

Assignment : "Civility"

This week, we briefly took a look at civility in a TEDtalk video. Our discussion forum also addressed the issue of civility. As you go through college, you will encounter a greater variety of people from all kinds of backgrounds. It is increasingly important in our society today to maintain civility as we interact with others. What exactly is civility?

For this assignment write a five paragraph essay explaining the definition of civility and its importance in education. Be sure to follow the steps below to find an article that addresses the issue and incorporate at least one quote and one paraphrase from the article to support your ideas.

Assignment Steps

1. Use EBSCOhost to find a scholarly article pertaining to the topic of "civility."

a. Using "Academic Search Complete" in EBSCOhost:

i. Type the word "civility" in the search bar.

ii. Go to the left sidebar to limit your search to "Full Text" and "Scholarly (Peer Reviewed) Journals."

iii. In the left sidebar, you select "Academic Journals" for the Source Types.

iv. Find one article that seems appealing to you. It is essential that you chose an article you comprehend fully since you will be required to
discuss a quote and a paraphrase from the article and demonstrate its relevance to your topic.

b. Download the PDF Full Text and save a copy of that article on a flash drive or on your computer.

2. Prepare a summary of the article.

a. As you read the article, pause after each paragraph and jot down the main point of that paragraph.

b. Use your own words - do not copy the authors' words.

c. Find ideas that you want to either quote directly or paraphrase in your paper. (Look for an idea that is so powerful, you cannot put it into your own words.)

d. Note the page number where the idea comes from.

3. Write a five paragraph essay on civility utilizing the resources from steps 1 and 2.

a. Your paper should be at least 750 words

b. Include a thesis statement in the introductory paragraph.

c. Write three supporting paragraphs with topic sentences that enhance and extend the thesis statement.

i. Include descriptions or examples of civility

ii. Cite your sources

1. Paraphrases must be highlighted in yellow

2. Direct quotes must be highlighted in blue

iii. Don't simply drop your quote or paraphrase into a paragraph.

Introduce the quote and the author before using it, and explain the quote's relevance to your topic afterward. For example:

As John Rogers, lead canine researcher for The University of Southern California States, "Canines, while extremely vicious at
times, are more prone to use their strength for the aid of others" (21). This demonstrates that dogs' strength tends to be a virtue rather than a deficit.

d. Include a concluding paragraph that provides an appropriate closing to your essay.

4. List your sources in a References page at the end of your paper.

Use Microsoft Word to prepare your assignment. Refer to Pocket Keys for Writers to help you with writing the paper and citing your sources.