PURPOSE: In this paper, you will continue to practice basic discourse patterns common to all academic writing, but with the specific focus of moving closer to the discourse conventions in your chosen major, recognizing that scholars in different fields may use somewhat different discourse patterns or conventions. This paper will also reinforce fundamental patterns of academic writing that apply to all fields. The purpose of the paper is also simply to practice more high-stakes writing before entering the upper-division courses of study.
Compose a 5- or 6-page double-spaced research paper written in response to one or more of the class readings. This paper will focus on an argument. This means it will make an arguable claim on a debatable subject or (possibly) propose and answer a research question in your field. All the assignments in this class have helped you prepare for the final assignment, so you should have much of the work completed already. Now it is time to assemble it all into a coherent whole. Other Requirements:
Citation Style
You will cite your paper in the citation style preferred by the discipline in which you are writing. Include a works cited or references page in the same citation style. If you use a citation style that is not MLA or APA, please let your instructor know which citation style you use.
Sources
Academic writing is a conversation. Your final paper must use five credible sources that support your argument or add to the conversation around your main point. Two of your sources must be peer-reviewed journals. Two of your sources must not be listed on the course library guide. You must find them through your own research.
Acceptable scholarly sources include:
Books/ebooks
Scholarly or Professional Journals
Acceptable popular sources include:
Magazines
Newspapers
Websites (if scrupulously chosen)
In many academic papers, popular sources will not be allowed, but since this paper may make a claim about a topical, polemic subject in your field, popular sources used for the sake of conveying popular interest or public exigency in a problem are acceptable if used judiciously.
The paper should consider all of the basic conventions of academic writing learned in ENG 102 (or whichever introductory composition course you completed at another university). The paper should be thoroughly edited and proofread.
Submission
To repeat, final papers should be submitted as a Microsoft Word document (.doc or .docx) or as a .rtf file. Do not submit as a .pdf, a Microsoft works file, or a Word Perfect file.
If you think there may have been any technological error when submitting your paper, it is best to email your paper to your instructor as a backup so you will not be counted late.
No Recycling!
If you took English 102 here at National, it may be tempting to improve your ENG 102 paper and turn it in for ENG 240. This is against the rules. You are expected to write a wholly new paper. Your instructor in this class will have taught ENG 102 many times before and will be familiar with all the subjects in ENG 102. On the flip side, since we are focusing on disciplines in this class, it might be tempting to try to recycle a research paper you have written in another class. This is also against the rules and will easily be detected by your instructor. To use the work written in one class to fulfill the requirements of another will be considered academic dishonesty, and the university may reprimand you. This class is about practice. You don’t become an excellent writer with just one try. So, please, recycle your aluminum cans and your plastic water bottles, but recycling papers is not allowed in college-level work.
Criteria for Success
To understand what makes a successful paper, let’s look at the highest levels of the associated rubric.
Critical Thinking
Paper enacts critical thinking in written discourse by evaluating sources, questioning assumptions, being fair to other viewpoints, and using higher-level thinking skills of analysis and synthesis. Critical thinking is clearly developed through productive struggle in the writing process as a way to find, develop, and support ideas with clear evidence.
Text in Conversation/Research
Paper makes a very strong and necessary point that adds to the conversation. Paper finds a research “niche” so research is relevant and valuable in itself. Paper impeccably employs use of summary, quotations, and framing the conversation in both primary and secondary sources. Sources are used judiciously and properly.
Thesis and Organization
Thesis is specific, insightful, and predicts the paper’s main points. Organization moves flawlessly, and the reader at no times feels lost. Paper uses metacommentary and other forecasting strategies. Each paragraph of the paper fulfills its role and feels necessary.
Revision
Paper shows that the student is using the writing process as a thinking process, discovering and changing major points along the way toward significant improvement. Revision efforts show the student does not settle for “good enough,” even if the initial draft is solid.
Grammar, Style, and Citation
Paper is free of grammatical errors that would impede comprehension. Proper citation style use shows the use of a style guide for difficult citations.
