The term paper is one of the most important assignments you will complete during this course. The term paper is an opportunity for you to research a topic relating to our course that you have found interesting and desire to learn more about by conducting your own research. The term paper can be on a topic of your choice, but does require instructor approval, which you will have received when you submitted your term paper topic proposal. In your term paper, you should demonstrate your knowledge by successfully synthesizing and incorporating at least three or more key course concepts into your paper, demonstrating how they relate to your chosen topic.
The Assignment
Note: the term paper must be turned in by Sunday, 5/5 by 11:59pm.
Each student will be required to submit a term paper as part of this course. The term paper must be on a topic approved by the instructor, but generally any topic that addresses the impact of technology on society, whether past, present or future, would be acceptable. Term paper should successfully incorporate at least three or more key concepts from the course. Term papers should be no less than 2 full pages of text and should not exceed 5 pages, although longer papers will be accepted. The term paper must be done in MLA format, using 12-point, Times New Roman font, and double-spaced. All term papers will use a minimum of four scholarly sources (books, magazines, professional journals, etc) in addition to the textbook. Students are encouraged to use more and varied sources such as interviews, site visits, etc. Note: for more information on “legitimate websites” and how to recognize them, visit the FTCC Library’s website and read their guidance. If still in doubt about the validity of a potential online source, feel free to discuss such potential websites with the instructor before using them.
Course concepts you might incorporate include but are not limited to:
Law of the Hammer
Law of the Possible
Technology as a System
Technology as a Subversive Force
The Technological Fix
Technocracy
Scientific Management
The Unintended Consequences of Technology
Social Constructivism
Technological Determinism
Technological Closure
The Social Processes Model of Technological Advance
The Great Men and Women View of Technological Advance
Pollution
Depletion
Global Warming/Climate Change
Alternative Energy
Cultural Lag Theory
Convergence Theory
Action and Reaction
Arms Control
Mutually Assured Destruction
The Digital Divide
TV/Video Violence
The Network Effect
Social Networking
Video Game Addiction
Privacy in the Digital Age
Telework/Telecommuting
Technology’s Effects on the Workplace
Outsourcing, Offshoring, and Economic Globalization
etc….
If you have a question about a concept not on this list, feel free to ask!
Acceptable Length
2 or more full pages of text. There is no penalty for exceeding five pages.
Formatting Requirements
Paper will be in MLA format.
Use one-inch margins.
Use a 12-point, Times New Roman font.
Document must be double-spaced.
Grading Criteria
Content: Student turns in a paper of two or more pages that reflects the topic agreed upon during the term paper
proposal assignment. Content is accurate and supported. Extensive use is made of course concepts (at least 3 or more).
Grammar: Paper is free of errors in spelling, punctuation, sentence structure, capitalization, word usage, etc.
Research Sources: Student has at least four legitimate (scholarly) sources in addition to the textbook, of which at least two are valid print sources and at least two are valid electronic sources (retrieved from school database or valid scholarly websites).
Format: Student makes good use of MLA format to include a proper header on page one with all required information in the correct order, MLA style page numbering with student’s last name and page number on each page in the upper right corner, correct citation in text to show sources of quotes and information, and a works cited page listing all sources.
