Assignments
There are two assignments related to the research for the final paper due prior to the submission deadline for the final paper, May 6, 2009.
Research Progress Assignment
Write a blog post with the tag "Research Progress" that includes a list of at least three promising secondary sources for your final paper. These sources need not be fully read, but based on their title and/or abstract, they must be directly related to your final project. These articles are to aid you as you develop a thesis for the final paper.
The post must include the secondary sources in proper format according to the Chicago Manual of Style. In addition, for each entry, include a sentence describing why you think this article will be of use to your project.
This assignment will be worth 10 percent of the grade for the final paper. Assessment will be as follows:
- Post has the proper tag and submitted on time: 2 points.
- The explanations of how each source relates to the final project is clear and substantive: 6 points.
- The sources are in proper bibliographic format according to Chicago Manual of Style: 2 points.
Posts are due at 6pm on Friday, April 10, 2009.
Thesis Proposal Assignment
The thesis proposal is composed of two parts: a thesis statement and a preliminary description of the project. Write a blog post with the tag "Thesis Proposal" in which you include the following:
First, develop a clear and concise thesis statement. A thesis is not a topic. The word "thesis" comes from a Greek word that means stand or position. Thus, a thesis statement takes a stand or establishes a definite position on a given subject. A "topic" merely indicates the general area of concern.
A topic is vague: "Plato's style of writing" is a topic. This indicates a general area of concern, but does not present a specific argument. A thesis sets forth a definite position for which the rest of the paper argues. Thus, it serves to give the entire paper a purpose and direction. For example, "Socrates uses specific rhetorical techniques in his critique of rhetoric in the Gorgias" is a good thesis statement. Ideally, a good thesis statement will be the organizing principle of the entire structure of the paper.
The second part of the proposal will involve specifically laying out and describing the basic structure of the paper. This description is not rigid and it is meant to be further developed as you do your research. It is a starting point and rough outline of the project.
I will be reviewing these proposals to ensure that they are neither too broad nor too specific. Please don't hesitate to see me if you are having trouble developing a thesis.
This assignment will be worth 10 percent of the grade for the final paper. Assessment will be as follows:
- Post has the proper tag and submitted on time: 2 points.
- The proposal includes a thesis in the specific sense outlined above: 5 points.
- The basic structure of the paper is clearly articulated and show evidence of supporting the thesis: 3 points.
Posts are due at 6pm on Wednesday, April 22, 2009.
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