Introduction
In your upper-level classes, the research paper is often the final project you’ll do in the class. It is supposed to act as proof that you understand the concepts of the course, can do research in that field, and can take all of that knowledge to create and argue your own stance on a specific aspect of that course.
Note the “argue” bit there: a research paper is not a data dump of all the information you’ve learned while researching. You should have a specific stance and a cohesive argument throughout that is supported by evidence. Remember: evidence supports an argument, it doesn’t make it for you.
The Whole Research Project: A Reminder
Before I explain the research paper, I want to review the whole research project. It has consisted of three units worth of work: the proposal, the annotated bib, and the actual research paper. By now, you’ve completed the first two parts of the project: the proposal and the annotated bib. Right now, we’ll finish the project by doing the research paper.
As a reminder, all three assignments are on the same topic: the one you got approved and wrote the proposal about. You cannot change your topic. If you want to modify it though, you’ll need to talk to me and get written permission to do so.
Your Task in the Research Paper
For our research paper, you’ll take a specific stance on the topic you’ve been researching for most of the semester. You’ll be arguing that stance to scholars within your field, not students or the public, so your academic tone and style, and source credibility need to match what that professional audience would expect.
However, there are a few standards that I have to set for a bit of uniformity
you are not allowed to use first- or second-person pronouns (so, no using I, you, or we phrasing)
you have to use scholarly sources, not general websites or popular press books/articles.
Essentially, this essay is a professional, argumentative essay where you attempt to persuade scholars in your field to do what you want them to or believe your stance.
Assignment Structure
This assignment is a proper essay, so it will need to include the standard essay structure: introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion. We’ll also review paragraph structure and ethical, accurate source use according to MLA. Your paper must match all of these standards, as well as those of MLA page format that we have discussed all semester.
If you want to include tables or images, to help support your argument, let me know, and we can discuss how you’ll need to do that. Please note that these will not count towards your minimum page count though.
Note on Submission
All major assignments, in this class, must comply with the corresponding policies explained in the syllabus and course policies section listed on our Brightspace website. Please realize that any deviation from the policies will result in points taken off the final grade for the assignment.
