Assignment:

· Over the course of the semester, write two analytical 6-7 pp. essays (12 point font, double spaced) synthesizing a week’s readings and then lead discussion.

· You are free to choose **any** two weeks across the semester to write your analytical essays on. CAVEAT: Be careful on your planning here. You are allowed to double-up your essay with one of the two case studies you will be required to write-on. However, if you choose to double-up here, you will be required to hand in **two** separate papers on the same day: the analytical essay and the case study.

· Essays are due at the class session when the readings will be discussed, as listed in the syllabus.

· Read over the week’s readings carefully and takes notes/highlight important concepts, arguments, positions, and evidence offered by the author(s).

· Compose an 6-7 page analytical essay that:

· Analyzes these readings from a critical, evaluative, and scholarly perspective.

· Synthesizes the readings – summarizations that identify the key ideas, claims, arguments, and/or findings evidenced in the readings. As all weeks include multiple readings, this task calls for abstraction, description, and summary.
 
· Assesses the strengths and limitations/shortcomings of the various positions and arguments staked out by the authors.

· Critically analyzes the evidence the authors’ marshal to support their thesis/arguments/position.

· Points out any significant conflicts/agreements between the authors. Search for themes that either unite or show dissent amongst the readings.

· Offer **your opinion** on the arguments/positions taken by the authors, as well as whether or not individual readings contribute to a better understanding of and or practice of electronic records management.