1. Choose a current policy challenge in public budgeting. Pick a topic that concerns budgeting issues at the national, state, or local level. You may write about a budgeting challenge that we addressed in class, but be warned: your memo should go beyond the class discussion for that topic. If you are not sure whether your topic is appropriate, feel free to run it by me via email or during office hours.
2. Explain the budgeting challenge and why it is important. Provide at least some background on the issue to help the reader (me) follow your argument. Make the case that this issue is important enough to warrant some action, even with all the other fiscal problems currently out there.
3. Provide concrete advice to a senior policymaker on how to meet this challenge. Address your memo to a specific senior policymaker in a government organization. Provide 2-3 policy options for meeting the challenge your memo describes, and make the case for your one preferred option. Only propose options that are feasible or reasonable (i.e., dont suggest entirely eliminating Social Security or doubling the federal income tax).
I am looking for your own critical analysis of the policy issue, but using arguments and theories of other scholars is a useful starting point. Make sure that you clearly take a position on the best response to this policy issue. On the other hand, you must do more than just provide your opinion! Use facts and findings to support your analysis and conclusions. Spend time thinking about how best to organize your paper. Write clearly and concisely and make sure you proofread. Make sure you are clear in your analysis and policy recommendation.
The policy memo should be 3-5 pages of double-spaced text (not including the bibliography), using a standard 12-point font and 1-inch margins. You can use whatever citation style you prefer, but you must cite your sources.
Category: Chicago / Turabian
Public Administration
December 3rd, 2020 
Chicago / Turabian, Political Science 
Comments Off on Biden National Security Policy Recommendation Biden National Security Policy Recommendation
Imagine that you have recently been appointed as a member of the President-Elect Bidens National Security Council. You have been assigned to a task force that will be conducting a broad overview of U.S. national security policy for the incoming President. The leader of your team has given you the following assignment.
Write an essay (of 500 to 800 words) that: identifies the primary national security threat facing the United States; and describes a policy response that the Biden Administration might adopt to limit the potential damages associated with this threat. Your essay should answer the following questions:
What is the primary security threat facing the United States today? How does it threaten or weaken the national security of the United States? As part of your answer to these questions, you may describe some of the costs that this threat could ultimately impose on the United States.
What policy responses should the Biden Administration adopt to limit the damages associated with this threat?
What political challenges might the Biden Administration face in implementing your policy recommendations? How might these hurdles to implementation be overcome?
Directions
To be eligible for full credit on this assignment, you are only expected to draw on information covered in this course. You can also use news stories from reliable news sources (like The New York Times, CNN, or The Wall Street Journal) but this is not required. Note that this does not include online blogs or webpages such as Wikipedia. Please provide citations for content derived from our readings, lecture, and any outside information you use in your essay. Please use Chicago style citations (author/date) and include a bibliography. More information is provided below in a separate document on citation style posted on the module page along with this assignment.
Your essay should include the following components:
Provide clear answers to the three sets of prompts listed above. As part of your answers, be sure to defend your claims with theoretical arguments and empirical evidence presented in class. More broadly, to earn a strong grade you must demonstrate that you have engaged with course content to write this essay.
Be concise: Stay within the 800-word limit. Essays that are over the word limit will not get full credit for this assignment.
Organization: your paper should be easy for readers to follow and logically ordered with an introduction, thesis statement, supporting logic, and a conclusion.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A THESIS STATEMENT. Organize your ideas around a thesis statement that appears in your first paragraph. This assignment is about making choices in how clearly you articulate your argument. DO NOT run away from this choice. There is no right or wrong answer here. You are being graded as to how well you construct and defend an argument.
Formatting Guidelines
No more than 800 words (excluding citations and the bibliography)
You must cite any outside readings that you reference using Chicago Style citations. Information on how to cite using this format can be found in the citation document posted separately.
Typed, double-spaced, 12-point Times New Roman, 1-inch margins
Saved as a Word document (.doc, .docx). Other file formats will not be accepted. Take this requirement into account when turning in your essay. Having trouble converting another file type to a .doc or .docx at the last minute is not an acceptable reason for turning the essay in late. Note that even if you are not using Windows, there are free and easily accessible options for creating documents in these file types.
Grading Rubric
Full credit: essay answers all parts of the question, takes a clear position, demonstrates clearly that the essay draws on course material to build its argument, defends that position with supporting logic within the 800-word limit, cites outside sources (if used).
3/4 credit: essay suffers from one of the following problems: does not answer all parts of the question, does not take a clear position, does not draw on course content or cite outside sources, is over or under the word limit.
1/2 credit: essay is late, essay suffers from more than one of the following problems: does not answer all parts of questions, does not take a clear position, does not draw on course content or cite sources (if used), is over or under the word limit.
December 3rd, 2020 Chicago / Turabian, Religion / Theology Comments Off on The Exegesis of Deuteronomy 23:19-20 The Exegesis of Deuteronomy 23:19-20
This paper is to be able to interpret Deuteronomy 23:19-20 concerning taxes and loans. It should be categorized by 7 sections:
Introduction: Cite, analyze, and critique what at least 3 scholars have said about this particular passage of scripture, state your opinion of the passage and what you will argue about the passage
Text and Translation: Delineate the Passage, the Exegesis must focus on a complete literary, Cite two Modern Committee English Versions of the passage (not a
paraphrase of the passage); however, use the same version through out the
Exegesis. Either in a narrative form, footnotes, or endnotes, deal with any significant
issues related to variants.
Grammatical Criticism and Word Studies: Clarify ambiguous terms in the passage, i.e. proper nouns or phrases, Identify and discuss grammatical constructions in the text that are important for your thesis. Select a handful of terms. Find the Hebrew term for the words that appears in English upon which you want to work, and cite places elsewhere in the HB where these terms are present.
Form Criticism of the Text: Build upon your Outline of the passage and search for and treat the literary artistry in the Passage, e.g., parallelisms, metaphors, inclusios, chiasms,
repetitions, plot, tropes. If you are dealing with a legislation in
Deuteronomy, much of what happens in a Literary-Critical analysis of a text
might not apply to your passage. Who are the characters in this text? Who
speaks in this text? Who is silent in this text? What transpires in this text?
Where does this story take place? Is there a key scene or account in this
story? If so, why is this scene or event so important? Why might this passage be located at this place in Deuteronomy?
Historical Criticism of the Text: Identify and cast light on key events suggested by the passage. Use both biblical and extra-biblical material to cast light on this event.
Socio-Scientific Criticism of the Text: Using the evidence in the passage, proffer a milieu for understanding this passage. The goal here is to identify as much as possible about the features of the society from which the passage might have emerged.
Conclusion: What messages might this text have conveyed to its original
audience, i.e., how might those persons who heard or read it at or
near the time it was produce understood this text. Here you are
dealing with the issue: What text meant?
December 3rd, 2020 Art, Chicago / Turabian Comments Off on its comparing 2 artworks the main artwork by donald judd 1966 its comparing 2 artworks the main artwork by donald judd 1966
Remember, ultimately, your goal is to interpret your chosen artwork my chosen artwork is Donald Judd untitled 1966. and compared to Brancusi’s endless column
your point of view, what is the central issue that the artwork is addressing? How would you
articulate the main point that the artwork is making? How is this point communicated through the
artworks form and/or presentation?
Brancusi’s endless column is a discrete form that makes sense in of itself
where the thing of minimalism it becomes Installation based where you cant see the artwork apart from the architecture thats whats going on with Donaled judd untitled , so that framework for understanding sculpture is what hal foster pushes it into postmodernism
In terms of the overall form, voice, and tone of your final essay, I leave those decisions up to you. If
you wanted to write a straightforward analysis in a scholarly voice that begins with a formal
introduction and ends with a conclusion, that is of course perfectly fine. If you wanted to write a
more creative work, such as a short story, letter, or imaginary interview with the artist, for
example, that would be fine, too. The only stipulation is that your text must incorporate the
following elements:
a full description of the artwork Judd untitled 1966
a thesis that represents your interpretation of the chosen artwork
an analysis of an assigned reading(foster crux of minimalism) in relation to the chosen artwork (Donald Judd untitled)
an instructive comparison to another artwork (Brancusi’s endless column )
images of the artworks referred to in your paper (included at the end of your paper and
labeled as fig.)
a title that reflects the thesis of your paper
In terms of length, your final writing assignment should be 57 pages long, double-spaced, using 12
pt. font and 1 margins.
Your final writing assignment will be graded holistically, with a focus on the following aspects: how
clear and convincing the argument is, how vividly and attentively you describe your chosen
artwork, how logically and meaningfully you relate your chosen artwork to an assigned reading and
to another artwork, grammar and other mechanical issues.
December 3rd, 2020 Chicago / Turabian, History Comments Off on The Portuguese succeeded in trade because of the navigational technologies they took from the Arabs and the diplomatic practices they learned from West Africa. The Portuguese succeeded in trade because of the navigational technologies they took from the Arabs and the diplomatic practices they learned from West Africa.
Format:
Essays should be double-spaced, Times New Roman, 12 pt font. No title page, just a simple title up top and your name & pg numbers in the header.
Citations should be Chicago style, which just means that you use footnotes instead of parenthetical citations. Footnotes must include author, title, and pg #, so something like this. (doing this is simple: on google docs, just click insert -> footnote. In Microsoft word, click references and then click insert footnote.I expect to see (more or less) one footnote in each body paragraph, and certainly at the end of a sentence with a quote in it. If I see only one citation per page, this is too little.
Quotations are like salt in food. You want enough to bring out the flavor of the historical source, but not so much that it leaves a bad taste in the mouth of the reader. In other words, no quote should be longer than a sentence. Often just 3-5 words can really capture an author’s tone or point of view.
The thesis statement (your main argument) usually comes as the last line in your intro paragraph. Unfortunately, most of us make the mistake of creating an argument before we have even thought critically about the sources! So I recommend writing a draft of the essay without an intro. Then after you have the draft, read it out loud to yourself. What did you find? What did you learn? At that point, you can figure out what it is you are actually trying to argue. The moment you realize what your argument is, you can write your introduction and thesis. Then make edits throughout the paper to sharpen that argument.
Rubric:
I will evaluate your paper on the basis of content (50%), form (30%), and voice (20%).
In terms of content, try and level-up in Blooms taxonomy. Those papers in the Remember and Understand (foundational thinking level) will be in the C range, those operating at apply and abstract will be in the B range, and those with analysis, evaluation, and creative arguments will be in the A range. Of course, you cannot truly convince me of an analysis or creative argument if you do not demonstrate a strong grasp of the foundational terms, dates, places, and historic cases.
Then with regard to form, I am looking for scholarly writing. This means the paper is relatively free of sentence-level errors (check your spelling, your grammar, your syntax. Watch out for misplaced modifiers. Try to pursue active rather than passive voice. That means you SHOW me who your actors are at all times). Good form also means you have spent some time thinking about the broader organization of the paper. Perhaps you move forward chronologically, or perhaps you address different themes as you progress, but there should be some evidence of order.
As it pertains to voice, I am hoping that you can keep in mind the lessons that we learned from Bartholomaes Inventing the University. I want you to avoid writing like the elder. So do not start your paper with Ever since the beginning of Latin America, there have been visions of hell and heaven. Stay away from such sweeping generalizations and go straight to the specific issues. This also means I want you to avoid writing like Bartholomaes teacher. So do not write a conclusion that says: And, as a result, all church paintings were there to christianize indians. But it was just propaganda, so dont be afraid next time you go to church. Such comments are dismissive of the complexity of history, reducing the past to simple lessons. Avoid this. Instead, pursue the voice of Bartholomaes scholar. Repeatedly turn to evidence. Search for complexity in each source. Misread. Reflect on multiple and mixed consequences. Read against the grain. Keep the reader curious.
Of course, I know I am asking so much of you in just the small space of a 4pg essay. I also know that nobody has the time (in just 2 weeks!) to write a perfect essay. We all have other classes and busy schedules. So even an A grade will not actually require perfect marks in each area. Instead I will look for moments or phrases in which you are hitting at these upper levels. But I wanted to give you this guide so that you know what to aim for.
Remember there is no such thing as a great writer. Only a great editor. So just write naturally and relaxed. But once you get 4-5 pages down, then come back a day later and edit. And then do it again the following day. That is how you walk away with a strong essay.
Reach out to me in office hours if you have more questions
Personal Spiritual Growth Plan Paper
PERSONAL SPIRITUAL GROWTH PLAN ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
OVERVIEW
In a previous assignment, you gave a group of people a spiritual assessment to evaluate where they are in relation to the biblical marks of a disciple. In this assignment, you will develop a personalized growth plan.
INSTRUCTIONS
For this assignment, you will select either one of those assessments or you will work with all the assessments as a group. You will write a paper presenting a personal growth plan for either one person or the entire group. (USE THE UPLOADED PAPER IN THE UPLOADED PAPER SECTION NAMED : Marks of A Disciple Assessment Implementation Paper GRADED )
The paper must be a minimum of 2100 words and include these elements and this outline:
Cover page
Contents page
Introduction (be sure to use first-level headings throughout)
Spiritual Disciplines as a Means of Godliness
o Discuss the role of personal and corporate spiritual disciples as a means of personal godliness. In other words, talk about the spiritual life and the means God has provided for Christians to grow in Jesus.
o Use Scripture throughout. Elaborate upon key passages related to the spiritual life such as (do not just use these, nor do you have to use any of these, but you should develop a robust biblical argument):
1 Timothy 4:7 where we are challenged to be disciplined for the purpose of godliness,
2 Peter 3:17, 18 where we see the dangers of not growing and the challenge to grow in godliness, and
Galatians 5:16 where we are told to live our lives in submission to the Spirit,
Romans 12:1-2 where we see the need to have our minds renewed.
o Each course textbook must be cited in this section, but you are encouraged to use other scholarly sources as well. Commentaries are excellence sources when discussion Scripture.
Assessment Results
o As previously stated, you can choose to work with one of the assessments or all of them as a group.
o Transition to describe and summarize the assessment(s) for which you are going to create a spiritual growth plan. Analyze the results of the assessment in a meaningful, particularly showing where they are strong and where they need growth.
Customized Growth Plan
o Provide a customized plan for this person (or group) to grow.
o This plan should be based on the results of the assessment regarding how to support strengths and provide growth in areas they are weak.
o The plan should be practical, measurable, and specific.
o Scholarly sources should be used to support your conclusions and advice.
Conclusion
Bibliography
The paper must follow Turabian formatting and have proper pagination.
NOTE:
1. Use the paper that is under the Uploaded paper section named: Marks of A Disciple Assessment Implementation Paper GRADED. It includes all the required information’s for the paper.
2. Read the instructions critically and follow it word for word.
3. Pay specific attention to the Grading Rubric and follow it also.
4. The following are the course textbooks that must be used and cited among others that you will add on your own that must be scholarly pls.
5. Course Textbooks that must be used and cited: Use 9 sources, 5 of it is below please:
1. Gorman, Michael J. Cruciformity: Pauls Narrative Spirituality of the Cross. Eerdmans, 2001. ISBN: 978-0802847959.
2, Whitney, Donald S. Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. NavPress, 2014. ISBN: 978-1615216178.
3. Murray, Andrew. Humility. CreateSpace. ISBN: 978-1502994981.
4. Haykin, Michael. The God Who Draws Near: An Introduction to Biblical Spirituality. Evangelical Press, 2007. ISBN: 978-0852346389.
5. McClendon, P. Adam and Jared E. Lockhart. Timeless Church: Five Lessons from Acts. B&H, 2020. ISBN: 978-1535994781.
6. DO NOT APPLY to write the paper if you do not have access to the required textbooks above.
December 3rd, 2020 Chicago / Turabian, Religion / Theology Comments Off on RLGN 360 Forum 4 (Module 8) RLGN 360 Forum 4 (Module 8)
Discussion Board Forum 4, It must also meet the required word count of 250500 words
Note: For the forums using the Coley book (Forum 4 and Forum 8), please make sure to include clear support from this textbook in your thread and your replies. In specific, please include at least 2 direct quotes from the Coley text, including page numbers.
1) What does the word metacognition mean? Can you think of an example that you can share from your own personal experience?
2) It seems that a popular approach to sermon or teaching preparation is to complete this task alone. One way to combat creating ones presentations or sermons is a vacuum is to prepare with a team. What are some benefits of developing sermons or teaching presentations with a team or group? What are some potential downsides to a team approach to sermon or teaching preparation?
The Birth of Venus
For the Formal Analysis paper you will be researching a piece of art or an archaeological or architectural site that falls within the time period covered in this class (between 1400-1900 CE). By mid-semester, you will be selecting a piece of art that you would like to focus on. This piece of art will be the focus of your short writing assignments in the later part of the class as well as your longer formal analysis paper.
Research:
Writing this paper will be the opportunity to practice doing art historical research. The goal of your paper is to answer a research question, which you will write as part of one of your short writing assignments. To do this you will be drawing on the vocabulary and understanding of art that you have gained from the class as well as the research you’ve done.
The goal of this paper is to make an argument about the work of art youve chosen, and support it with evidence and research. It is not to tell me everything you know about the work of art, or give an all-encompassing overview.
The paper should use at least 5 scholarly art historical sources. You may use additional sources, like your textbook, that were not included in your preliminary writing assignments, to help fill in additional information, however, please make sure these sources are appropriately cited in your paper, and that they are appropriate, scholarly sources. You should rely on your textbook, or similar types of books to fill in this kind of information if necessary. Wikipedia, Encyclopedia Britannica, and other general knowledge/general audience types of sources are not appropriate for this paper. The goal is for you to familiarize yourself with academic research and sources.
Any topic (writer’s choice)
Here are some resources:
https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/architects-and-their-sketchbooks
http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/a/architects-sketchbooks/
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2012-03-02/the-official-guide-to-tactical-urbanism
https://issuu.com/streetplanscollaborative/docs/tactical_urbanism_vol_2_final?e=4528751/2585800
https://www.cityfabrick.org/
Security Studies
Topic: Strategic Leadership in U.S. National Security
Task: Analyze the strategic leadership role of former Director of National Security, James Clapper
1. Discuss the key leadership challenges and context surrounding the individuals tenure and how they viewed their role;
2. Evaluate the individuals approach to leading others, influencing the organizations culture, and implementing change (incorporate applicable leadership, motivational, and organizational theories);
3. Synthesize insights that todays strategic leader can incorporate from the experience(s) of the individual (application).
4. Analytical Conclusion with so-what
– Turabian/Chicago with footnotes and bibliography
– Minimum of eight references
