Research Paper Assignment Schedule

Below is a copy of the schedule handed out last week in class.

For your research paper, you’ll choose an issue of national scope that interests you and research it through a variety of sources, including researching what each major presidential candidate’s stand on the issue is. You’ll then come to a final stand on the issue yourself and argue the merits of your own position. Your opinions on the issue will (of course) have no bearing on your grade: how well you argue your position will.

Audience and tone: Your audience should be assumed to be open-minded on your issue and likely to respond best to well-reasoned and well-supported arguments based on logic. So even if you feel strongly about your issue, your tone should be even-handed in dealing with all sides of the argument. Avoid too much use of the word “I” (once or twice for emphasis in your introduction or conclusion would be appropriate) as well as informal language, contractions (spell them out) and exclamation points.

Paper Assignment Schedule

Keep in mind that there will be a quiz toward the end of class based on skills learned during the instruction session.

October 17 Your tentative thesis for your paper should be in place

October 24 A draft full sentence outline for your paper will be due. Your outline points should be written in full sentences. Failure to turn in a draft outline will result in a half grade deduction from your research paper grade.

October 31 A revised full sentence outline for your paper will be due. Your outline points should be written in full sentences. Failure to turn in a revised outline will result in a half grade deduction from your research paper grade.

November 7 A rough draft of your paper will be due. Failure to bring a complete rough draft to class for peer reviewing will result in a half grade deduction from your research paper grade.

November 14 A revised “Works Cited” list will be due. Failure to turn in a revised “Works Cited” list (it should have at least six sources, at least three of which should be periodical articles or books) will result in a half grade deduction from your research paper grade.

November 21 Your final draft will be due