Research Project Overview

In the remainder of the quarter ahead, you will select a topic of personal interest to you, define a controversy within that topic, and examine that controversy at length.  The final result will be a 2500-3000 word (approx. 10-12 page) persuasive research paper that argues convincingly for one side of that controversy. 

You will utilize at least 7 sources that will help you portray your argument.  These sources must be incorporated correctly, used appropriately, and cited thoroughly using APA standards.  Sources should represent both the side that agrees with you and those that disagree with your own thesis.  Your final draft will need to incorporate at least one chart, table, or graph, as well as at least one pictorial component (photo, drawing, etc).

You will be given more detailed assignments for each portion of the project as we move through the quarter.  You're welcome to peek ahead at upcoming modules to get a sense of what the steps leading up to the final will be.  The idea is that we do small chunks here and there, so that the last steps feel more like assembly than writing a huge paper all in one or two days.

Here is a rough outline of what these smaller chunk assignments will look like.  Subject to change, especially concerning due dates:

Topic & working Thesis	Week 4
Source Evaluation Essay	Week 6
Discovery Draft	Week 6
3 Page Draft	Week 7
Outline	Week 7
6 Page Draft	Week 8
Annotated Bibliography	Week 8
9 Page Draft	Week 9
Peer Review	Week 11
10-12 Page Final Draft	Week 12

 

image created by Alexis McMillan-Clifton