Over the next seven weeks, you will be expected to research, organize, and write a term paper for this course. In that time, you will be expected to turn in materials to demonstrate that you are on course and keeping up with the assignment. This paper is worth a significant amount of points toward your final grade (see syllabus for exact amount). Those points can be divided as follows:
1. Annotated Bibliography. (Due in two weeks) 10%
2. Outline. (Due in three) 10%
3. Rough Draft (optional, will be accepted as late as week 15.)
4. Final Draft (Last scheduled day of class by 5:00 pm). 80%
Page Length - no minimum nor maximum page length will be assigned for this work. However, you are expected to completely cover the topic. A broad topic will result in a long paper. Narrow your topic as much as possible to save yourself work. In the past, A papers have averaged 12.67 pages (not counting bibliography). Non-passing papers have averaged 6.72 pages in length (not counting the bibliography).
Research - save photocopies of all research. These copies are to be turned in with your final paper. Failure to turn in copies will result in a significant decrease in the grade for the project.
Formatting - Double space the body of the paper. Use a reasonably sized font (12 or 14 pt.). I am not impressed by huge papers, especially if the font is enormous. Don=t insert photos just because you can. Integrate graphics only if they are vital to the paper. Be certain to include a works cited/bibliography page at the end of the work. You must correctly cite research as used in the text. (See below)
Endnotes/Footnotes/Citation B You must cite your research in the body of the text as well as in a bibliography/works cited page. You may use footnotes, endnotes, or parenthetical citation as long as your usage of the form is correct and consistent. For examples of citation form look in either the Little Brown Handbook or The Allyn & Bacon Handbook. The 1102 website also contains links to both the APA and MLA websites.
Plagiarism B will not be tolerated in any form. If you are unsure of the definition of plagiarism, check your handbook. To be safe, remember that anytime you use another person=s thoughts, words, ideas, phrasing, or artwork, you must give them correct and proper credit. Uncredited paraphrasing is plagiarism. If you are uncertain, cite the source. If it=s not your original thought, cite the source. Any suspected plagiarism will be turned over to the Vice President for Student Affairs.
Research B as this is a major term paper, you are expected to do some pretty major research. You should have, at least, one source in your works cited for every page of text in the paper itself. I anticipate that you, as the eager, hard-working, student that you are, will do more research than that minimum.
There are two keys to success with this assignment:
1. Start now and work consistently on the paper. If you procrastinate you will fail. It is that simple. You will either pull an all-nighter and turn in a pile of crap. Or you will yield to temptation and either buy a paper, recycle a paper, or plagiarize one. By now, you should know that I read every word you write. I also check every source. Count on it.
2. Pick a topic that you are really interested in and the project can be an enjoyable experience for you. That's half the battle, as G.I. Joe used to say.
Finally, if you have questions or problems, don't wait. Come see me or email me now. If it is a library problem, find Mr. Frank or Ms. Robbie. All of us are willing to help you; BUT, you have to ask for that help first.