Instructions
1. Select one of the topics below or discuss an idea with me that is conceptually similar.
2. The primary sources of evidence are provided to you in the links below each topic. Prior to starting the paper, there will be an assignment regarding those sources.
3. Many of the scenarios below have you providing a report or recommendations to an imaginary boss. Your boss is open to new ideas. However, their catchphrase is “show me the evidence.” So, in addition to your document being well-reasoned, it should be supported by a lot of evidence. Therefore, choose your sources of evidence carefully and use footnotes to cite.
4. Cite your sources using correctly formatted footnotes. Here is a model:
https://tinyurl.com/57b4fs59 (You don’t need the bibliography described at the end, just the footnotes.) Here is additional guidance: Chicago Manual of Style
5. The titles of the topics below are descriptive. You should develop a title that suits your work.
7. Your paper should be 1,200 to 1,500 words long. Format your paper using 1.5 spacing and a 12 pt font. Figures should be titled, labeled, and/or captioned. Guidance will be provided in class.
8. Below the paper topics is a checklist. Please think of this checklist as the grading criteria and include the checklist as an appendix to your paper.
Checklist to Include as an Appendix
Please complete this checklist to indicate that the paper is ready to submit, and include it as an appendix in your document.
My paper is an act of creation, (not a mere summary) that engages the reader and is interesting.
My title effectively communicates my topic.
I clearly stated my thesis.
I carefully crafted my introduction and conclusion.
My paper is coherent and not repetitive The overall structure of paragraphs is logical and supports my thesis,
My words are well chosen. Sentences and paragraphs are well constructed. Sentences and paragraphs transition smoothly. Sentences are not unnecessarily wordy. Every word and every sentence and every paragraph serve a purpose.
My paper is free from grammatical, typographical, and spelling errors. Punctuation is used correctly.
If appropriate, I acknowledge multiple viewpoints and anticipate objections effectively.
My paper is analytical and not merely a recitation of facts, dates, and events. Sufficient back story is provided to place the argument in context. If I mention a specific event, person, or thing, I provide enough description for the reader to understand what I am arguing.
If I inserted images or charts, I captioned and labeled them and referred to them in the narrative.
My supporting evidence and examples are relevant and convincing. My research is wide-ranging. I used numerous sources that I accurately quoted, summarized, and paraphrased.
I cited my sources correctly using footnotes.
I researched and thought about my topic enough so that it is clear to the reader that I am knowledgeable about the subject.
If I sometimes used Generative AI to improve my essay, I describe in detail how how I used it (in a footnote, endnote or appendix.)
Prior to submitting my paper I performed a line edit. I scrutinized every word, sentence, and paragraph to improve clarity and fix punctuation, wordiness, run-on sentences, typos, etc.
