Final Research Paper (20% of the final grade)
Students will write one final research paper. The final paper should be at least 5 pages (1200 words). [ Please use “Times New Roman” “Georgia” or “Calibri” font size 12 and double space your paper] Students should be aware that textbooks, websites, social media, news reports, and most encyclopedias online are unacceptable as sources for research papers. They are useful for getting ideas regarding different topics, but not as sources for citation. In addition, sources from the web are good if they come from on-line scholarly journals or are documents. However, blogs, opinion pieces and input from an individual do not qualify as sources (neither does Wikipedia).
For choosing a topic or questions about how to approach your topic, I encourage you to talk to me in class or during my office hours. I also highly encourage you to make an appointment with the Writing CenterLinks to an external site. and discuss/ work on your final research paper before submitting it.
Rubric for Grading the Final Paper:
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90% to 100% |
80% to 90% |
70% to 80% |
60% to 70%
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Organization |
The title encapsulates the arguments and discussions of the article. The key ideas and concepts of the article are elaborated and summarized in the introduction and the conclusion. There are at least 3 sections where the key points of the main argument of the article are discussed/ explained. Each section, starting with the introduction naturally and smoothly leads to the next section. |
The title does not accurately and sufficiently encapsulate the arguments and discussions of the article. The key ideas and concepts of the article are not entirely elaborated and summarized in the introduction and the conclusion. There are not at least 3 sections where the key points of the main argument of the article are discussed/ explained. Sections do not naturally and cohesively lead to one another. |
The title is vague and does not accurately and sufficiently encapsulate the arguments and discussions of the article. There are no clearly articulated key ideas and concepts. The key ideas and components of the article’s argument are missing in the introduction and the conclusion. There are less than 3 sections where the key points of the main argument of the article are discussed/ explained. Sections seem to be organized randomly and they do not follow any logical or coherent order based on the main argument of the article.
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The title is missing, or it is vague and misleading. There are no clearly articulated key ideas and concepts. There are no clear key concepts or ideas explained/ discussed in the article. There are less than 3 sections in the main body of the article. Sections do not follow any logical or coherent order based on the main argument of the article. Sections seem to be thrown together and randomly organized. |
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Argument |
The argument is clearly and compellingly articulated. Each section of the article contributes to the overall argument. Acceptable academic sources have been referenced to promote and establish the argument. The introduction and the conclusion each contain a version of the main argument. |
The argument is not clearly and compellingly articulated. Each section of the article arbitrarily and randomly follows the overall argument. Not enough academic sources have been referenced to promote and establish the argument. The introduction and the conclusion do not entirely or adequately encapsulate and summarize the main argument. |
The argument is vague and not properly and clearly formulated. Each section of the article seems arbitrary and random and does not follow the overall argument. Less than enough and few academic sources have been referenced to promote and establish the argument. The introduction and the conclusion do not encapsulate and summarize the main argument.
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The argument is vague and not clearly formulated or the argument is missing. Each section of the article is arbitrary and random and does not follow an overall argument. No acceptable academic sources have been referenced. The introduction and the conclusion are missing or are very short and do not address any overarching or main argument. |
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Style |
Adequately, properly, coherently, and robustly follows the conventions of the MLA, or Chicago style. |
Does not adequately, properly, coherently, and robustly follow the conventions of the MLA, or Chicago style. |
Randomly, haphazardly, and selectively follows the conventions of the MLA, or Chicago style. |
Does not follow the conventions of the MLA, Chicago style. Or follows the conventions in few cases and neglects to follow them in most cases. |