Project # 2—Research Paper
This assignment calls upon you to do something that is very important to your career at ASU and beyond. While you may never find a job writing research papers (unless you become a professor), your academic future at the University is vitally connected to your ability to write using sources. Your mission, by November 8, 2019, is to produce a 4 to 5-page research essay (double spaced, 12 point font) in which you use at least 4 sources (a target, not written in stone). This is your chance to show your expertise not only at finding information but also at incorporating sources in your writing. Your use of the MLA (Dr. D. knows this) or APA style (you’ll be the expert) will also be an important component of this paper.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Research Paper:
Am I free to write any genre of research paper that I wish? Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
With a few exceptions, the answer is yes. I will accept arguments or inquiries into most any field of study. You may, for instance, choose to write about anything from US history to Astrophysics to sporting pursuits. If you have a topic that falls outside usual academic parameters, please chat with me after one of our class sessions or e-mail me at jmd@asu.edu.
Do you want me to argue a position in this paper or to give both sides of an issue?
Often times, if this is your first encounter with a topic that might be controversial, it is easier to present both sides of an issue. That said, you are free to argue for a particular viewpoint if you wish. I’ll be looking at how you present your information, whatever method you choose.
Are there a specific number of sources I need to use or do I need to have different types of media (i.e. websites, magazine articles, books)?
I set you free from rules regarding the number or type of sources you use. At the same time, however I will look at your source list or bibliography and let you know of ways you might go further or find out more. For example, if your chosen topic is the poetry of William Blake, there are tons of scholarly books addressing his work. Alternatively if you’re looking at the current events in Saudi Arabia, articles from EBSCO or Lexis Nexis may do just fine.
Any further advice about sources?
Make sure you think critically about the information you’re presenting. If you have questions about a website or article, it’s ok to verbalize them. For instance if I were to quote Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, I’d want to show that I know she’s politically active on the liberal side of the political spectrum recently.
JMD 02/15/19