Final Paper (100 points/___________).This is the culmination of the semester’s work. It should reflect clear knowledge of the discourse community (audience), the current conversation on the topic, and the conventions of the field. Because of these things, it will be VERY detailed in looking at a specific, specialized problem/idea (that we discussed and follows your approved outline). Further, it should speak of your ability to choose, synthesize, and document sources in order to add an idea/discussion to the already on-going discussion within the field. It is the proud exclamation of information and knowledge in a suitable form. This final paper should be 18+ pages of text.
Final Papers will be graded based upon:
1. If it meets the assignment. It must be an academic essay of 18+ pages of text which follows your “approved” outline. If you make changes to your outline, please discuss them with your instructor. Failure to do so could result in course failure.
2. Use of scholarly sources. You need to use a minimum of 12 academic journal articles(each over 12 pages long) in your paper. If you choose to use books or websites, you should clear them with me first. If you have less than 12 academic articles or otherwise approved sources, you will receive an F for the course. For exceptions, ________________.
3. Focus/Critical Thinking/Knowledgeable Voice. You need to have a point or goal. There has to be something you are adding to the on-going conversation that you believe other academics in your field would be enriched by considering. You aren’t merely repeating other’s ideas, but promoting your own thoughts. A solid thesis can really help with this. Make sure your body is your effort to prove/support the thesis. (20%)
4. Level of development/depth. In academic work, it isn’t enough to merely mention great points (even with sources). You need to explain them carefully. How was the point arrived at? What sort of research was done to get the information? Does everyone agree on it? Who doesn’t? Why? What are alternative points? Why does the point matter? (15%)
5. Audience Awareness. You will need to closely match the tone, style, and writing of those in the field. (15%)
6. Connections. You need to explain how your points connect to one another. You need to tie your parts together to make a cohesive whole. (10%)
7. Organization. You need to have an organization that suits your audience, and paragraph cohesion. Ask yourself: Does it have clear introduction, body, conclusion? Does each paragraph have 1 main point? Does it avoid repetition? (20%)
8. Follows standard English writing rules. Watch for mechanics – sentence fragments, run-ons, verb usage, clarity, etc. (10%)
9. Proper use of documentation style. Make sure you have an adequate cover page, page numbering, source use throughout the work, and reference pages as required by your documentation style.(10%)
Presentations/Self-Reflection Essay Option (Cr/NCr)
You have the option of presenting what you learned this semester verbally or in writing. There will be a handout, but basically you are discussing what you learned about research, reading, your field’s expectations and doc style, and how you dealt with the challenges of writing. You’ll want to include how you’ll use this information in the future.
