Module 5 Assignment - 15%
Due: Sun, Mar 10th by 11:55PM
Word count minimum: 800 words (1200 word max)
In this essay, we are going to think about and reflect on the impact of storytelling and historical
narratives within/across our own family and kin, how we learn about what other family members
are doing, and what they have done in the past. How has storytelling in your family and kin
impacted you as a person?
We learn about our traditions and customs through storytelling, and we can learn about morals,
ethics, and making 'good choices' through storytelling. Think about the 'stories' and narratives
about your family, relatives, and kin (whatever that may look like for you), and the information
you have learned about them through these stories in your lifetime. What will you do to retain
them for the future? We have so many more opportunities to log and record these moments than
our great-great grandparents did. Think about the progression from basic photographs to the ease
of using Smartphones for pictures, audio, and video recordings. Also of note are Social Media
platforms like Facebook who have created a 'Legacy Page' system for when someone passes
away.
Here are some questions to guide the content to include in your essay:
How is storytelling used in your family and kin? To teach, share, or entertain, or other
things? Who is the 'storyteller' in your family? (is there always 'an uncle' who tells all the
secrets at family functions or is it your immediate family/kin sharing bits here and there?).
Where in your life do you feel this generational knowledge sharing through storytelling has
impacted you the most?
In what way would digitalizing your family stories and narrative be of value to you and your
family? (ie storing historical info, sharing with others, creating stories)
What role do you feel digital technologies will play in how you will retain, share, and create
your family narratives and stories?
Your submission must be in essay format with a clear introduction, discussion section/body, and
conclusion. Your responses to the first two points will likely be good material for the
introductory part of your essay or for context elsewhere in the essay. Your responses to the last
two points will help will build the structure and define the purpose of the essay.
Important Notes:
Your response must be in essay style, as noted. Please pay attention to your tone, grammar,
punctuation, and paragraph structure. Be careful of not being too conversational and casual in
your essay (don't use colloquial vocabulary). Proofread your work.
If you are citing & referencing outside sources, then be sure to use APA or MLA format.
Remember to discuss all the prompts in the assignment instructions or you won't be able to
build your grade effectively. Follow the instructions carefully. Be careful that you're not just
describing and reporting things - be sure to give the essay clear purpose and follow through
with that purpose in each paragraph.
This essay's focus is you and your life experiences. It should not be a generalized essay about
the topic broadly.
1
Remember the minimum word count. If your initial post is under the minimum word count,
you will be penalized half a mark (-.5).
The late penalty is 5% per day. The assignment closes in Brightspace one week after the due
date.
Framework of Grading
This is the framework that we are all grading from. Your TA will have additional comments for
you as well.
Introduction
gives interesting context for essay about storytelling & family narratives in their lives
tells the reader what the essay is going to discuss & why
there is clear direction & purpose in the introduction
Discussion
topic sentences are used to connect/link to the essay's purpose
Discussion prompts are incorporated effectively; content organized well to support purpose
the paragraphs flow together well rather than disjointed short answer responses
reads like an critical thinking essay making a point/with purpose instead of a report
describing things
Conclusion
recaps key purpose noted in the introduction and how carried out
gives a bigger picture 'take-away'/what was learned
Writing Style
proper essay style with introduction, body, conclusion
vocabulary and tone is suitable for an essay
few grammar & punctuation errors; proper paragraph structure
/15
Framework of Grading
Exceeds Expectations 90 A+
Submission reflects a robust and mature level of discussion, analysis, and organization that goes
beyond what is expected at a first year course level. No errors with writing style, essay format, or
grammar.
Meets Assignment Criteria 80s A
Submission follows guidelines and meets all the assignment requirements in a coherent way. The
submission demonstrates sophistication. The writing is clear and concise; very minor writing
errors; there is very little to critique. Nothing is missing.
Needs Some Work 70s B
Submission mostly follows requirements but has some areas that need improvement; it is mostly
good and mostly follows instructions. The essay leans to describing and reporting and needs to
develop the purpose with more precision through. Minor grammar/punctuation errors.
2
Inaccuracies 60s C
Submission is weak in key components of the assignment guidelines. The discussion is vague or
mostly general and/or missing discussion prompts from assignment. Does not follow proper
essay format. Numerous grammar and punctuation errors; paragraph structure is not followed.
Incomplete 50s D
Submission does not follow assignment guidelines or requirements. It is seemingly off-topic or
unrelated to the instructions, and/or missing content and components of assignment. The
discussion is very disjointed or unrelated. Many grammar/punctuation errors and problems with
essay format and style.
