Week 4 Module Notes: Essay One — Submissions, Formatting, and Structure
Week 4 Module Notes: Essay One — Submissions, Formatting, and Structure
Submissions, Extensions, and Deadlines
Essay One (Submit One) is due on the original date and there is an extension option.
Original due date mention: September 20; extension available through September 23 (three full days: Tuesday after). In numeric terms, the extension window is from to of September.
Points value: points for Essay One.
To request an extension: you should ask the instructor directly; there is no need to prove yourself to the instructor. Extensions are allowed and encouraged if needed.
Extension coverage: the extension applies to Essay One and the Extra Credit Bonus Essay; if you request it, you can work until the new due date (September ).
Module vs. assignment timing: the module content (discussions/quizzes) closes on the original deadline; extensions apply only to the papers, not to the module content as a whole.
Reminder about deadlines: do not wait until the last minute (e.g., 11:55 PM) to figure things out; early submission is recommended.
If class is canceled or time is reallocated (e.g., Thursday cancellation): be prepared to use alternative spaces on campus to work and maintain progress.
File Uploads: Formats, Tools, and Best Practices
You must upload a local Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx) from your computer.
PDFs are not accepted for Essay One submission.
Do not submit via the Canvas “Share” or Google Docs link; upload the actual file from your device.
Word version matters: use the full Office 365 Word program (not the web-based Word in the browser). Install Office 365 through your student email; this program includes Word, PowerPoint, Excel, etc.
How to avoid common issues:
If you’re using Google Docs, download as Word (.doc/.docx) and then open in Word to verify formatting before uploading.
After converting, ensure formatting preserved (e.g., fonts, margins) before submission.
Before submitting: always open the uploaded file to confirm it works on the instructor’s end; different file types can cause formatting changes (e.g., font changes).
Instructor experience with late submissions: late PDFs or non-Word formats can lead to missing submissions or unreadable files; adhere to the accepted formats and submission method.
Accessibility of guides: there are resources (a guide and a Kickstarter video) to help with Canvas submission if you’re confused.
Canvas and Submission Readiness
Attach via the Submit Form; do not rely on any alternate submission method (e.g., email) for the required file type.
If you encounter Canvas or link issues after an update, some links may break; expect some link maintenance on the instructor’s end.
MLA Formatting Basics (Week 4 module)
General formatting: Times New Roman, pt, black font; avoid non-professional fonts (e.g., Comic Sans, navy/blue), and avoid font sizes like 14 pt.
Document appearance should be professional and straightforward; the goal is readability and standard MLA compliance.
If you need help with MLA basics, there are videos available in the module.
Shenanigans and Academic Integrity
Shenanigans refer to formatting tricks intended to alter the appearance (e.g., 2.5 line spacing, oversized punctuation that creates false margins).
The instructor explicitly warns against shenanigans: if detected, a zero grade is possible.
Emphasis on honesty, transparency, and adherence to submission rules; the instructor expresses a preference for helping students but will enforce integrity and standard formatting.
Meditic Contract (Privacy/Academic Integrity Acknowledgment)
A short five-point contract that mirrors syllabus terms related to privacy and integrity.
It includes excerpts about not uploading instructor videos or sharing homework with other classes.
Academic integrity reminders and consequences; students sign by typing their name and date to indicate understanding.
Specific note about privacy and state law: California is a two-party consent state; recording and posting others’ videos without consent is not allowed.
Extra Credit: Essay One Bonus
Availability: Extra Credit Essay One bonus (within the week four module) is offered for additional depth.
Topic: A personal connection to your topic (e.g., why you picked a video game or artist) and your current connection to it.
Length and format: 250–500 words; double-spaced; standard MLA formatting; works cited page required; the work should be about two pages maximum (roughly 2 full pages).
Submission: via Canvas; Word format only; due on the same day as Essay One submission.
Word count guidance: 250 words per page; thus 2 pages ≈ 500 words; a 3-page submission is generally discouraged unless essential.
Credits: Extra credit is worth a substantial portion (roughly 10% of the grade); instructor will calculate exact impact.
Works Cited: As with Essay One, include a Works Cited page at the end; this page does not count toward page length.
Source expectations: at least one credible source; you should be able to provide precise citations for your sources.
Citation tools and guidance: the module provides resources like Citation Machine, EasyBib, MyBib, and database integration for generating MLA citations.
Works Cited Page Guidance
The Works Cited page goes at the end of the document and is not counted within the main page total.
You should be able to verify sources by including a Works Cited entry; the instructor needs to be able to locate and read the source.
The page is generated with MLA formatting; use credible sources; do not rely on raw URLs without proper MLA formatting.
Title Formatting and Strategy for Essay One
The recommended title format: a poetic title followed by a colon and then a literal descriptive title (e.g., "Poetic Title: Literal Title").
Examples and rationale: the poetic title provides drama or a hook; the literal title clearly states the paper’s topic or argument.
Do not use a generic title like "Essay One"; avoid titles that are non-descriptive.
The title should be centered and formatted in MLA style; include the student’s full name, the instructor’s name, course code (e.g., ENG 11-103), and due date on the first page above the title.
If the subtitle is long, it may wrap to a second line; the overall structure should still be clean and readable.
Example structure on the first page:
Full name
Professor Molina
ENG 11-103
Due date: [formatted date]
Title line: Poetic Title: Literal Title
Essay Structure: Introduction, Body, Conclusion (and the 2¢ end)
Introduction
Provide background/history/context of the topic (the “before times”).
End the introduction with your thesis sentence.
The thesis sentence is described as the single longest sentence in the paper; you can draft it in all caps and refine later.
Body Paragraphs
Body Paragraph One should focus on the present-day version of the topic or the central element of the essay’s focus.
Use as many body paragraphs as needed to develop your argument with evidence from sources.
Conclusion
Mirror the introduction: begin with a restated thesis (not a verbatim copy).
Do not copy-paste the thesis; restate it in a different form, ideally tying it to the sources.
2¢ (two full sentences) at the end: either discuss what-if scenarios, or offer a direct message to the reader about the paper’s takeaway.
No new information, no new sources, no new conclusions in the final two sentences.
No starting the conclusion with a dialogue, a quote, or dramatic writing; keep it direct and factual.
What-if and futurism: the two final sentences can explore future implications or potential changes, or offer a concise direct address to the reader.
Page length guidance: 2–3 pages is typical; the instructor notes the importance of being efficient and not overly long; the writing process for the paper should be manageable within four weeks.
General Reminders and Course Context
Week 4 is essentially the finalization milestone for Essay One; students should be prepared to move to Module 2 with new readings and a new essay.
Time management and pacing: the professor emphasizes doing the tasks in a timely way and avoiding procrastination.
The instructor will be grading Essay One and then moving on to Essay Two; students should anticipate the upcoming workload.
Office hours and spaces: if you need a place to write, campus spaces are available; the instructor notes a canceled Thursday class but mentions alternative spaces for writing with peers.
Quick Guidance for Questions
Use this session as an opportunity to ask questions about Essay One, module one, and the directions for module one.
If you have questions about formats, structure, or citation expectations, these are the moments to clarify.
Quick Reference: Key Numbers and Dates
Due date: (original), extension to (extension window open for three days).
Essay One value: points.
Bonus essay word range: – words; page count roughly 2 pages (≈ words per page).
Font size: pt; line spacing: standard MLA formatting; avoid alternatives such as 2.5 spacing (considered shenanigans).
Works Cited: page at the end; not counted toward page length; use MLA formatting; numbers refer to page counts and word counts, not to study-room timings.
What to Do Next
Review the Week 4 module to locate Essay One submission form, the Extra Credit submission, the MLA resources, and the Works Cited tutorials.
Prepare your title using the Poetic Title: Literal Title format; ensure your first page contains the required header information and properly formatted title.
Draft an outline following the introduction-body-conclusion structure; ensure your conclusion contains no new information and includes the 2¢ final sentences.
Start work early to avoid 11:55 PM rush; use the recommended spaces on campus if needed for focused writing.
Ensure you have at least one credible source for Essay One and include a Works Cited page; use provided citation tools if needed.
Note on intent and tone of the course: The instructor emphasizes clarity, integrity, and practical writing habits over trying to game the system. The goal is to develop a clean, well-supported nonfiction essay with proper MLA formatting, a strong title, and a clear structural flow from introduction through conclusion. This module also introduces disciplined writing processes, including how to handle extensions ethically, how to manage file formats, and how to structure arguments for readability and impact.