The document discusses a writing assignment for an oceanography course. It provides instructions for a 5-page term paper or 25-slide presentation on a topic related to marine biology. The topic choices include a prominent figure in marine biology, a specific marine species, commercial algae farming, marine pollution, invasive species, or a pro/con analysis of an issue like overfishing. The assignment will be graded based on following directions, scientific content, references, and writing mechanics. Students must participate in library and writing center conferences as part of the project stages.

1. My topic that I chose is: The writing assignment topic that I
would like to choose for my writing assignment is the Florida
manatee, which is a subspecies of the West Indian manatee. In
my paper I would like to discuss the eating habits, population,
habitat, reproduction rate and how they actually would affect
the ocean if they do become entirely extinct.
Writing Assignment
Addresses outcome 2:
· convey knowledge of life in the oceans and how that
knowledge affects decisions about the environment, policy, and
daily life
You may choose a topic from a provided list or propose a topic
for approval. Submissions can be a traditional five-page term
paper or an optional multimedia presentation must be 25 slides
minimum (e.g., a Microsoft PowerPoint submission). You will
address the topics indicated in the course outcome.
In this course, the written assignment project will encompass
five stages:
· written assignment project, stage 1: conference for submitting
proposed topic for instructor approval
· written assignment project, stage 2: UMUC library conference
on information literacy
· written assignment project, stage 3: UMUC Effective Writing
Center conference for submission of thesis statement, outline,

2. and introductory paragraph for critique
· written assignment project, stage 4: submission of work to
Turnitin.com and subsequent paraphrasing of verbatim text
· written assignment project, stage 5: submission of term paper
or appropriate multimedia presentation for grading
You will be expected to participate in all stages to gain an
appreciation for the expected content and coverage of the
written assignment project.
Example Topics
1. Select a prominent individual or an event in the history of
marine biology that influenced the science as a whole in a major
way.
2. Choose a single marine (saltwater) species (fish, mammal, or
invertebrate). Specify the species' common name when you post
your topic selection. At a minimum, your paper should address
habitat, reproductive behavior, feeding behavior (place in the
food chain), migratory habits, use by humans, and susceptibility
to human activities (overfishing, for example).
3. Choose a marine (saltwater) species of algae that is grown or
"farmed" commercially. Find out all you can about the way this
aquaculture or mariculture is undertaken, including such things
as methods, location (in what countries and localities does this
activity take place?), problems (diseases, cost), and marketing
of the products.
4. Choose a specific type of marine pollution (e.g., oil
pollution, PCBs, chlorinated hydrocarbons, etc.) that is
affecting our planet. What causes it? What is being done to
combat it? What are the ramifications of continuing the
pollution?
5. Address biological (also known as introduced or exotic)
species' invasions of a marine (saltwater) species. What causes
it? What is being done to combat it? What are the ramifications
of continuing the invasion?

3. 6. Write a pro/con paper addressing overfishing, mariculture,
commercial whaling, drift net fishing, aquarium trade, or
artificial reefs.
You will be evaluated on:
1. content: clear and accurate knowledge of your topic and how
that knowledge affects decisions about the environment, policy,
and daily life
2. references: proper quantity and quality of APA citations
3. effective writing: grammar, spelling, punctuation
4. following directions
Grading Rubric for Writing Assignment
Assessment
The grading weights for the four assessment areas are:
directions (10 percent); scientific content (60 percent);
scholarly references (15 percent); and effective writing
(grammar, spelling, and punctuation) (15 percent).
A 90-100 percent paper is outstanding (writing excels far above
established university standards). It is marked by superior
readability and competent handling of content. The submission
could be used as an example of outstanding work for other
students to emulate.
· Directions. All general directions followed. No direction
errors.
· Content. Facts, organization, and conclusions follow a clear,
logical sequence that supports the thesis statement. Citations of
scholarly references support scientific content. Accurate
scientific information. No text has been copied verbatim
without proper source recognition. Outstanding treatment of
applicable course outcome.

4. · References. All are properly cited, using in-text and reference
list citations; significantly more references are used than are
required; many different types of references (e.g., textbook,
scientific articles, encyclopedias, reputable Internet references,
etc.) are used.
· Effective writing. No errors. Words are chosen and sentences
are constructed to make the information understandable.
Religion:Assignment #3: M2 Finding the Sacred
Instructions
It has been; said that the United States has lost its sense of the
sacred. Nothing is set aside, made special, or considered
sacred. People use to dress up to go to Church, go to the
theatre, or fly on an airplane. Today informal dress, or even
shorts, is the norm. Weddings, rather than following time
honored rituals, consist of a creative ceremony written by the
bride and groom. Even a high school or college graduation is
often, marked by catcalls.
Respond to this question:
Answer the question whether you believe anything is sacred or
holy in our contemporary society. Is that a good or bad thing?
Your answer should be between 150 and 300 words. Using APA
style or other references.