Students will write a 7-10 page (typed, double spaces, 12pt font) independent research paper related to the intersection of Art, Science, and Technology. This is meant to be both an argumentative paper, with a clear and concise thesis/argument, AND a research paper, in which you back up your analysis with well-documented information from appropriate academic sources (i.e. use the library book finder to locate appropriate academic texts and/or research databases like Ebscohost and JSTOR, accessible via the college library’s website, for appropriate academic journal articles).
You will select a topic of your own choosing, related to this course (see the list of Suggest Topics Below). Your paper should include a minimum of three artworks and/or cultural objects to examine in depth, though it is possible to include many more depending on the topic you select.
Again, this assignment will require research beyond the assigned course readings. You are expected to do original and independent research (not just reference material from the course) and you will need to use at least ten (10) appropriate bibliographic resources, specifically published texts and peer-reviewed academic journal articles. Certain websites are also acceptable (if used sparingly), but should be from verifiable sources, such as museums, academics/professionals, or university-level institutions. Encyclopedias (whether traditional or online, such as Wikipedia) and most websites should be avoided and will not count towards your ten-resource minimum. Sources must be cited with properly-formatted footnotes, along with a complete bibliography and any necessary illustrations/images. Within the body of your Research Paper, use Chicago Manual of Style footnote documentation for noting paraphrased ideas and direct quotations. Citational documentation should be present throughout your project in order to demonstrate the quality and quantity of the independent research you have conducted (this is a research project, emphasis on research). You should, of course, use your own words, as much as possible, but citation of your research is absolutely essential. Plagiarism will result in a failing grade for the assignment. The ROUGH DRAFT should be, as much as is possible, a functional draft of the completed assignment with all expected elements of a traditional research paper, including correct grammar, proper citations/footnotes, embedded images with captions, and a completed bibliography.