Assignments

Major Assignments

Narrative Essay (PDF)

Critical Review (PDF)

Review Article (PDF)

Web Report (PDF)

Sample student work of the above major assignments can be found in readings, since it was required that other students read student-written papers.

Schedule of Major and Minor Assignments

Below is a table listing all the writing assignments for the course. Each assignment is due in the session in which it is listed. For the major assignments, please refer to the PDF instructions listed above.

SES # WRITING ASSIGNMENTS
1 (no writing assignment due)
2 "How and Why MIT?" due in class (1 copy). (PDF)
3 Describe hypothetical job/internship opportunity. Write draft resume and cover letter. Bring 4 copies.
4 Revised resume and cover letter due.
5 Exercise: Describe the kernel and motive for the narrative essay. (PDF)
6 Narrative essay, 1st version due in class (4 copies).
7 Comments on each essay in response to assigned questions (2 copies).
8 Final version of narrative essay due at start of class (1 copy).
9 Identify key issues of controversy. Identify writers.
10 Briefly characterize stances of writers and create tentative outline for your critical review. (PDF)
11 1st version of critical review (4 copies).
12 Comments on partner's critical review due.
13 Final version of critical review (1 copy) due at start of class.
14 List of three possible public health topics for future research (each item should include comment re possible focus/central concern).
15 Identify topic for review article and begin annotated list of possible sources (at least three sources).
16 Annotated list of three more sources due.
17 Write one paragraph on each source that you intend to mention in your review article (at least 9 articles).
18 1st version of review article due at start of class (4 copies of entire review and 4 additional copies of introductory section).
19 Comments on partners' review articles due.
20 Final version of review article (with abstract) due at start of class (1 copy).
21 Identify venue and likely audience for your web report. List new questions that your report should address if it is to meet the needs of that audience.
22 (no writing assignment due)
23 Post 1st version of web report before start of class.
24 Brief comments on all partners' web reports due.
25 Post final version of web report by 5pm.
26 Print up four copies of selected excerpt to bring to class.
27 Optional revision of earlier paper due.