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Jim Roth’s Website English 102 FALL 2016
Mini-Research Paper Grading Sheet--please note: mistakes made in Mini-Research Paper #1 and repeated in Mini-Research Paper #2 will be very expensive. MINI-RESEARCH PAPERS ASSIGNMENT This quarter we'll write two short mini-research papers, one due at mid-quarter and the other due at the end of the quarter.
PLEASE NOTE: Expectations will be higher for the second mini-research paper.
Before we get to the actual
assignment, let's talk a bit about research papers. First, most students make
research papers more difficult than need be.
Some do this by choosing too large a topic to cover in such a short
space; because they fail to narrow
their subject to a manageable topic, they become so overwhelmed with
information (information overload) that they don't know where to begin. Others wait until just before the due date to
begin the assignment; this leaves them little time to learn, digest,
synthesize, and enjoy the discovery inherent in proper research. Both groups often come to hate the research
assignment when, in fact, they could benefit immensely from it if they followed
a more disciplined process. What is a research paper? In simplest terms it's an essay that
blends your words and ideas with other people’s words and ideas. Even better might be this: a research paper is a regular essay to
which you've added other people's words and ideas for authoritative support
and enhancement. In any case, the paper itself is the result of your research and thought. Regardless of definition, research
can be a lot of fun if you start early and have a clear outline. An outline may seem like extra work, but it
has one huge advantage--it limits the topic so that you don't have to cover
anything that's not on it. If a
related topic is not on the outline, you don't have to find or read sources
about it, you don't have to ask about it in interviews, and you don't have to
consider it in your final report. So
remember, outlines restrict topics, not researchers. More help with the process will be
given as the quarter goes by, and Tim Aman will be available through CANVAS
discussion to advise you on locating and evaluating resources. For now, let's
get to the assignment. THE ASSIGNMENT: Two mini-research papers, one due at mid-quarter and the other due at the end of the quarter. Please note:
Neither mini-research paper will be accepted late for any reason. POINTS
POSSIBLE: Each is worth up to 100 points, plus 25 points for a brief oral
presentation on the paper of your choice toward the end of the quarter.
Please remember that all research-related activities will combine to account
for 40% of your final grade.
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