Geography Essay

Description
In this project, you will select a country that is of interest to you—someplace you’ve been, someplace you’d like to go, someplace you’re interested in, or someplace you’ve never heard of until now—and demonstrate your ability to think critically by addressing the prompts in the assignment.
Deliverable
A five-page paper with one-inch margins, double-spaced, in Times New Roman font that has at least five academic sources used and referenced. In-text citations and appropriate source page included. A hand drawn-map created by you will be included as well.
Requirements
In this paper, you should do the following:

The general climate of this country, and any differences in regions of that country (if applicable)
The region of the world this country is associated with
Date country was established or achieved independence
Major land features within this country
Major bodies of water associated with this country
Major urban areas and capital city
Transportation systems
Population
Ethnic groups

Approximate number of languages spoken

Describe your country’s relationship with any neighboring countries or specific economic partnerships
Major exports and agricultural products, and where they are grown
Any noteworthy flora or fauna for this country
Status of the country as developed or developing

Mention the GDP, HDI classification

Highlight cultural details that may be specific to your country
Include a hand-drawn map of the country which features physical features and urban areas mentioned in your paper, as well as any other elements worthy of inclusion (transportation systems (railroads, ports), cultural sites, etc.).

Note that this image is not included as part of the five-page minimum length requirement.
You can accomplish this by taking a photo or scanning and inserting into your document the map you have drawn, or you can use the Paint feature of your computer, or try out an online sketch app or program (such as Sketchpad, PencilApp, Sumopaint, QueekyPaint, etc.) The choice is yours, but the map drawing is a required component of this assignment and must be included at the end of your essay—it cannot be included as a second attachment or submission. If you use an online program, you must still add in the required elements for inclusion on the map.
Do not attempt to use a map created by someone else. You must create your own.

Provide proper citations, including a bibliography; and if any photos, maps, or illustrations are included, they should be given proper credits.

Writing Guidelines
Carrying on and dragging out a discussion of a particular topic can be almost as bad as not saying enough. A general guideline for writing papers is a three-step process:

An introduction telling the audience/instructor/reader what you are discussing—what your paper is about.
The next segments/paragraphs/chapters should be the meat of your paper—what you really have to say, presented in a logical and flowing manner.
The last segment of your paper is the conclusion—restating or summarizing what you have just said. Someone once summed it up for me: “Tell ‘em what you’re going to tell ‘em; Tell ‘em; and then tell ‘em what you told ‘em.”

Please do not forget to cite your sources when appropriate, and include a bibliography, no matter how brief. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Wikipedia is not a valid academic source. There are a variety of academic websites that will provide you with more accurate information, and here’s a tip: when all else fails, try a book!
Your instructor will be glad to discuss your paper or review your rough draft prior to the due date; use the messages tool for correspondence.
Grading Criteria
You will be graded on the clarity and completeness of your paper as well as on the quality of your writing.
This paper is worth 100 points, and a top grade will reflect meeting the requirements as well as a strong effort in writing. A middle grade will reflect a basic understanding of your topic, and an average effort in writing. A low grade will either demonstrate a lack of understanding about your topic, or minimum effort in writing.
Consult the following rubric for further information regarding grading of this assignment.

Criteria
Ratings and Description
Points

Map
20 pointsIncluded and complete, reflecting elements discussed in the paper, directional orientation (North/South), significant physical features, a capital, and any other specific cultural, regional, or historical marks based on written discussion in paper. Provide a key if necessary. Must be presented in a clear and understandable fashion
10–19 pointsMissing details or is unclear.
0 pointsMap absent from paper.
20

Effort in Construction of Paper
10 pointsWell written, properly formatted, and research evident.
5–9 pointsIncludes errors, formatting problems, and lack of effort evident.
0 pointsEffort is absent; research missing.
10

Mechanics and Grammar
20 pointsProper grammar used, meets length requirements, and sources and source page present.
10–19 pointsLacks material, and/or has poor sources.
0–9 pointsIncludes more than ten grammatical errors and requirements are largely absent.
20

Body of Paper
50 pointsDiscussion includes broad content and covers the suggested elements in the project assignment to result in a comprehensive discussion of the subject to meet the requirements for a cultural geography assignment.
20–49 pointsDetails missing, and/or the paper lacks descriptions.
0–19 pointsDetails are absent, or seriously lacking.
50

Total Possible
100

Submitting your Assignment
This assignment should be submitted as an attachment through Turnitin. Your instructor cannot accept it through email or separate messaging system. If you have a problem submitting the assignment, please contact your instructor.
By submitting this assignment, I acknowledge that this work is my own, except where I have referenced and cited the use of the works of other people.