The research project is the most important assignment of the semester, combining research, persuasive writing, documentation and original thought into one product. It offers each student the opportunity to choose to explore a topic within his/her field and to offer to others the knowledge gained as well as insights especially developed by the writer.

The research project may cover any topic approved by the instructor which is related to the student's major and/or career choice. All papers must observe the ethical standards supported by the University and the English Department on plagiarism and on dual submission of papers.

GOALS

• To explore current developments in each student's career field
• To make an independent contribution to the current state of knowledge on your topic
• To develop an original thesis supported by solid research
• To incorporate a variety of sources, found both in and out of academia
• To practice online as well as library research techniques
• To employ appropriate tone and vocabulary for an academic audience
• To demonstrate mastery of APA or MLA format as appropriate

LENGTH
The paper should contain 5 to 7 pages of text, double spaced. If using APA format, assemble final product in this order:

1. text
2. endnotes if used
3. bibliography
4. any graphics or appendices

FORMAT--APA OR MLA
MLA is appropriate for topics in English language or literature, history, foreign languages, the arts, government, business, or any topic with unusual nontraditional sources

APA is appropriate for topics in economics, psychology, mathematics, the sciences, medicine, or any area of research where recency of data is crucial.

Engineers may use engineering format and biologists may use biology format if cleared with the instructor IN ADVANCE. Turabian (also known as Chicago) format is not recommended.

REQUIRED ELEMENTS

1. a clear thesis, arguing or persuading in favor of one particular point of view
2. some original contribution to the topic (New procedure, comparison or combination or elements not joined by others, analysis of strengths and/or weaknesses of a plan or position, etc.)
3. a minimum of ten authoritative and appropriate sources
4. clear attribution of sources used for text, concepts, numbers, statistics, or graphics, either by traditional endnotes/footnotes, or by mentioning the source in the text
5. use of a high-quality printer for a polished, professional appearance

GRADING
Most important to know is that--as it says on the syllabus--you cannot pass English 302 without completing this assignment. A late paper will be penalized one letter grade for every day that it is late, unless by special PRIOR arrangement with the instructor.

In order of importance, papers will be evaluated on

• clear thesis
• original thought supported by evidence
• inclusion of both general principles and specific, concrete support for same
• selection of authoritative sources directly related to the topic
• documentation of sources
• powerful use of source materials, whether as quotes, statistics, graphics or whatever

DUAL SUBMISSION OF PAPERS
Research papers may be submitted to two professors in the same semester under guidelines established for students by the university.
Click here to go to Guidelines for Dual Submission

REFERENCE SOURCES
Students are encouraged to seek sources in the business and academic worlds to bolster their research. While library research may be helpful, online research will be essential for all papers, given the recency of findings on student topics.

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