"What am I looking for?"
I have lost count how many times I have been asked this question. Usually, I get a flurry of emails as the essay deadline approaches asking me how to write the essay. This page is dedicated to answereing that question!
Your essays must be double-spaced and typed. You are to write an essay reflecting on some aspect of world conflict as presented in the Klare book, Resource Wars. For example, you may choose to write your essay on Klare's chapter "Oil Wars in the South china Sea." Ideally, you would develop a thesis and present an analysis of the material at hand indicating that you understand this particular conflict as it relates to the overall themes of the course. Your essay should have an introduction, with a clear thesis statement. At a minimum your essay should be five paragraphs in length (but this is not going to be enough space) but your essay will almost certainly range beyond five paragraphs. You should, however, use the five paragraph essay format to structure your essay (i.e., introduction, three body paragraphs and conclusion). Use this format but simply add more body paragraphs as appropriate. Remember, paragraphs must have a topic sentence, supporting sentences (at least three) and a closing/transition sentence. Your conclusion should be more than a summary of the argument. You should range beyond the scope of your argument/review to include questions such long term meaning/consequences. The links listed below will help you format your essay in proper MLA style using the classic five paragraph structure. If you have questions, for example, regarding a thesis statement, you can hit the Five Paragraph Essay link and review.