seminar paper
Aims
The purpose of this research proposal is to start you off and get you on the right track for writing your seminar paper. Following submission of the proposal, you will receive a grade as well as written feedback (during Semester B). A personal meeting will be scheduled toward the end of Semester B to discuss your work and directions for the seminar paper. At any point throughout the process, I encourage you to consult with me either via email or in person with any questions you might have from choosing a topic to finding sources to structuring your proposal and seminar paper. Email: lberman@gordon.ac.il
Content
The proposal should have 4 sections*
- Introduction – Length: One detailed paragraph
- Provide a brief explanation of your topic and your initial thoughts and hypotheses regarding the topic, i.e., what you intend to argue about it. Keep in mind that your ultimate argument and/or hypotheses might change as you do research and begin writing.
- Formulate a thesis statement that includes the main points to be discussed in the seminar paper (4-5 points).[unique_solution]
- Literature Review – Length: 4-5 detailed paragraphs
- Present and discuss the research that has already been done on your topic and how it relates to your argument.
- Choose at least 4 academic articles**.
- Write a short summary of the main points of each article. Apply the principles of summary writing that you have learned.
- Think critically and do not be afraid to question and disagree with existing research. What original contribution will your research make to the conversation?
*There is no need for each of these sections to be subtitled or written on separate pages. Write in a flowing narrative.
** The academic articles must be published in a book or journal related to literature (not some other discipline, such as psychology, social work or economics). M.A. and Ph.D. dissertations are not approved as they are not academic articles and have not been published. All articles must be approved by me via email.
- Structure – Length: One detailed paragraph
- How do you plan to structure your seminar paper? Division of chapters, points within chapters.
- What are your plans for additional research?
- Annotated Bibliography
- Find 7 academic sources (including those used for the literature review) and write a bibliography in accordance with the APA style.
- For the 3 additional sources (those not used in the literature review) write a short annotation that includes: a brief summary of the main ideas, your analysis of these ideas and how you plan to use them in your seminar paper.
Formatting
4-5 typed pages, double-spaced, Times New Roman font size 12, 2.54 margins, cover page with your name, ID number, course name, instructor name, title of the seminar paper (be creative), date of submission.
Grading criteria
- Writing (20%): Grammatical accuracy and linguistic appropriateness. Apply the elements of writing that you have learned throughout your various writing courses.
- Introduction (15%)
- Literature Review (30%)
- Structure (10%)
- Annotated Bibliography (20%)
- Format (5%)
- Caveats
- The cardinal sin of a researcher is plagiarism! Always acknowledge your sources. Papers that are found to breach the rules of academic honest will immediately be given a failing grade and the student will be reported to the disciplinary committee.
- Proofread your proposal carefully and repeatedly.