A lot have been asking me about a 250-word section in the country profile, whether it’s required, where to put it, etc. I was confused initially, then it was pointed out to me that while it’s stated in the project guide, it wasn’t set in the template.
So put it simply: I apologize for the confusion. It was one of the things that slipped through all the many things we’re juggling, but that’s no excuse.
The project guide has been out for quite a long time now, so there are those who have been sharp enough to notice the 250-word requirement and integrate it in their paper. This is a standard feature in my paper requirements which forces you to look up the history and context of your country. On the other hand, I know I’ve provided a template to simplify your work and help everyone get through the hell week. I wrote it with the clear intention that it is really the only thing you need to follow when writing your paper. Thus, that slip-up is simply my fault. I won’t even make any excuses.
So, here’s what we’ll do.
A lot have already submitted their papers since February 23. Most of them don’t have the 250-word overview, and I will not ask them to resubmit their paper. Their works are generally good, and I admire them for their hard work and due diligence. Clearly, not having the overview is not their fault. They know their stuff, and that’s all I really need to know.
There are those who have asked me about it over the past 48 hours and I’ve made it clear to them that the guidelines have stated that such a section is required. I apologize if you had to hustle for that part. Getting stressed out over it wasn’t your fault. Sorry for that.
That being said, I am scrapping the 250-word overview requirement for the country briefings. But those who did it will get a slight edge. Read on. (There will be no changes in the working paper and the ASEAN paper though, since those were clear.)
If you don’t have it, nothing to worry about. If you do, then I hope it helped you in getting to know your assignment a bit more. To be fair: How about credit for writing that section?
The country profile is over 50 points. Each goal is worth 11 and the first part with the stats (and the supposed overview) is 6 points. Those who wrote the 250-word overview will get a 2-point reprieve. What that means is if your part 1 is worth a 4/6, I’ll give it 6/6 automatically if you wrote the overview. Anything less than that however (3/6 and below) won’t receive any extra credit. And if you already got a 6/6 then you won’t get the 2-point reprieve because you don’t need it. (Look up the definition of reprieve here.) I hope this provides a good middle way for all of us.
(NOTE: This announcement is made at 12:01 of Saturday, after the deadline for the paper has expired. Anyone who takes advantage of this reprieve will suffer the heavier penalty of one-letter grade down first.)
It is because of this lapse on my part that I’ve opened up more opportunities for everyone to earn rewards in class. Check out the previous post for the different Model ASEAN rewards!
