Research Paper

              The research project will be the major paper for our class this semester.  Learning how to conduct research effectively is an essential skill in academic writing, and the goal of EN 102 is to begin to make you more comfortable with your ability to conduct thorough research. While we will go over questions of content, formatting, and research approaches in class, here are some major requirements to keep in mind:

• Your research paper may concern itself with any topic you choose.  It is very important that you hand in your research proposal, so that I can help you determine if your subject is too broad or narrow, or if I feel that you might encounter other difficulties.
• Your paper must be in 12-font, double-spaced, with standard 1” margins.  It should also have page numbers.
• You will need at least 5 sources for this paper.  Only two of those sources may come from the general internet, excluding newspaper, magazine, or major media websites.  We will be spending time in the computer labs in Healey to learn to use the Healey databases, and to investigate how to locate academic source materials.  Please remember that a solid research paper addresses multiple points of view, and that it is, therefore, necessary to locate sources that may both agree and disagree with your own viewpoint.
• The research paper should be between 8-10 pages.
• You must use MLA style for both an accurate Works Cited page, and to cite all of your quotes and sources throughout your essay.  You should have a current writing handbook (like Gibaldi, MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 6th ed.).  You may also want to refer to Diana Hacker’s website (http://www.dianahacker.com/resdoc/humanities/english.html), or to the Healey Library tutorial (http://www.lib.umb.edu/webtutorial/index.html).
• Plagiarism will not be accepted.  If you plagiarize, you will fail the research paper, and fail this course.  Your actions will be reported to the appropriate Dean.  We will discuss the correct ways for citing sources and quoting in class.  There is a large difference between misquoting and intentionally copying or “borrowing” a large portion of someone else’s ideas.  If you are unsure, having difficulties, or need help, please remember that you can always meet with me to discuss any problems.

 

Research schedule  (Major dates...please refer to separate research schedule)

Tuesday, October 12             Project subject due

Tuesday, October 26             Research proposal due/Research question

Thursday, October 28           1st Rough draft of research paper due

Tuesday, November 2           Final works Cited due

Tuesday, November 9           2nd rough of research paper due.  Peer Review in LAB

Tuesday, November 16         Final research paper due

 

Note:  All final research papers are due at 8:30 AM on Tuesday, November 16.  No emailed papers will be accepted.