Week 4 Overview

This week introduces one big hurdle in getting the rest of the quarter's work moving: deciding on a topic to pursue.  Hopefully you've had some time to weigh your options, and you've found the perfect match that will keep you motivated and interested.

One of the never-ending tasks in doing a research project is, obviously, the research.  This week we'll dive right into that, and examine some best practices to help us find what we're looking for, quickly.  This will involve visiting the library, electronically at least, and putting feelers out for where the best pockets of information can be found.

Doing research

I want to encourage you to be creative when it comes to identifying potential sources.  Personal interviews can be great, if you know someone who is knowledgeable on the topic you've selected.  Local community groups can provide pamphlets and brochures; lectures happen all over our campus and the surrounding area all the time.  There's bound to be a podcast, YouTube video, DVD, video game, or radio program devoted to your subject.  And, I hear there are these things called "books"... though that might just be a myth.


LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of this week, you should be able to:

  1. Punctuate material that appears inside quotation marks in a source correctly, when using it in your own writing
  2. Formulate initial thesis statement for your own persuasive essay
  3. Create APA and MLA end citations for a number of potential sources

 

FOR FURTHER PRACTICE

These resources are not (usually) mandatory, but will often prove valuable in helping you complete other assignments within the unit.   Use them at your discretion.

 

photo by Viewoftheworld, available http://www.flickr.com/photos/view/142745616 Links to an external site.