Wisneski

ENG 102

RESEARCH PORTFOLIO (50%)

 
INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this project is to familiarize you with how to do extensive research on a scholarly subject in a research library, demonstrate thorough knowledge of how to conduct such research, and write an essay from your research that is well-supported, thoughtfully considered, and balanced on the issue or topic.

 

     This project requires you to research various scholarly sources, from archival material, to scholarly book and journal material, to on-line material. In working on this project, you must take note of the contents of your sources, and read through the information and data each source provides, following my guidance. Do not get overwhelmed by the information you find. Conversely, do not treat your sources lightly. Your work will reflect if you truly tried to learn from your sources, or if you regarded them without serious consideration.

 

This project will be graded on a point system. If you do all the parts, do them on time, and put forth a sincere effort, you will get an "A" for this project. Each part below has alongside it its point value. The points translate into the following grades:

 

95-100 pts. = A      90-94 pts. = A—

86-89 pts. = B +         85 pts. = B

80-84 pts. = B—    76-79 pts. = C+

71-75 pts. = C        70 points or fewer = D

 

     Your topic MUST come from one of the issues in Rereading America, such as:

 

Family

1.       Discuss how the American family has changed over a certain time span.

2.       Examine how the American family has been portrayed or is being portrayed in a certain medium, such as film OR television.

3.       Compare and contrast family structures in America to that of another country, or between cultures, OR between classes.

4.       Examine how the concept of marriage has changed over a certain time span.

 

Education

1.       Look at the role of technology in education—its benefits, disadvantages, etc.

2.       Discuss how different environments or settings influence school curriculum, learning.

3.       Discuss the pros and cons of standardized tests.

4.       Discuss gender, class or race issues in education.

5.       Examine corporate capitalism’s influence on American education.

6.       Discuss controversies surround plagiarism.

 

Individual Opportunity

1.       Examine a labor relation problem/conflict from one particular period in American history.

2.       Look into controversies regarding business practices or ethics

3.       Discuss discrepancies in the American workplace in terms of salary, class, gender, OR race.

4.       Examine the controversies surrounding inheritance laws OR the welfare system.

5.       Discuss how the American “success story” or “dream” is portrayed in American film, newspapers, advertisements, OR television.

6.       Research a grass-root organization such as Citizens for a Better America or The American Civil Liberties Union.

 

Gender

1.       Examine discrepancies between men and women in secondary or collegiate sports.

2.       Examine how women are portrayed in American film, television, music, OR advertisements.

3.       Discuss issues of inequality in the workplace.

4.       Discuss how parents, American sports, commercialism, OR education influence gender roles.

 

Equality

1.       Examine how social class or race is portrayed in a particular American medium, such as television, sports, OR film.

2.       Look at a social class or race conflict from a particular period, applying one of Vincent Parrillo’s theories to explain it.

3.       Compare and contrast ideas of racism and prejudice, with historical examples.

4.       Discuss debates regarding affirmative action OR the American welfare system.

 

American Concepts of Liberty/Democracy

1.       Compare and contrast political statements from a news media outlet (newspapers, radio, OR television) OR politicians regarding a military conflict to that from another time period in American history.

2.       Compare and contrast political statements from a news media outlet (newspapers, radio, OR television) OR politicians regarding another country or people/culture to that from another time period in American history.

3.       Discuss controversies regarding the Iraq War, 2000 Election, environment, U.S. Patriot Act, “No Child Left Behind” Act, Kyoto Protocol, or other such topic that has been in the news in the past 4 years.

4.       Research U.S. “unilateralism” action in a particular event, such as in South Africa, Rwanda, Iran, or the Philippines (refer to the Mark Hertsgaard article, pp. 728-739).

5.       Examine how another country/peoples/culture is portrayed in American film, radio, music, advertisements, OR television.

 

 

Notes:

·         You may not do the same project you are doing or have done for another class.

·         FAILURE TO DO THE RESEARCH JOURNAL, ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY, OR FINAL PAPER WILL RESULT IN AN “N” FOR THE RESEARCH PROJECT.

·         You must past this project in order to pass English 102.

PARTS

 

1. Prospectus. Pass/Fail (No points)—Due at Conference

Write a 1-2 page typed prospectus, doing the following:

1.       Explain what exactly your topic is, and what your thesis, or main argument/analysis is.

2.       Explain whom your TARGET, or intended audience will be (which is not just me).

3.       Explain why this topic/issue is important exactly. Why should an intelligent, collegiate audience be concerned with this topic?

4.       Give an idea for how you will approach the topic, or what you intend to discuss exactly about the topic.

5.       Hypothesize what you expect to find out or discover as a result of your research. What do you expect to learn from your research exactly?

 

NOTE: FAILURE TO TURN IN THE PROSPECTUS ON THE DUE DATE WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATIC FAILURE FOR THE ENTIRE PROJECT. Obviously, turn it in.

 

2. Typed Research Journal. 20 points—Due Mon., March 28 and Mon., April 18

     You will keep a journal which records notes on six (6) scholarly sources that concern your research project. These notes must be TYPED.

1.       Record notes on at least 2 full-length scholarly books on your topic/issue. At least one of these books must primarily provide BACKGROUND information on your topic.

2.       Record notes on at least 2 full-length scholarly journal articles (full length means at least 9 pages) on your topic/issue. At least one of these articles must provide data or statistical information.

3.       The 5th and 6th sources may be either an additional article or book.

NOTES:

·         Newspaper articles or articles from popular magazines do not qualify as scholarly journals.

·         Only one article may come from Rereading America.

·         You must use at least TWO (2) different journals and TWO (2) different books.

·         Notes should be at least 1.5 pages for each source, with single-spaced paragraphs, and double-spacing between paragraphs.

 

A. Notes for Books

Step One:    

Put in proper MLA or APA style the following information:

1.       The name of the author(s).

2.       The title of the book.

3.       The place of publication.

4.       The publisher.

5.       The date of publication.

6.       The total number of pages.

Step Two:

In single-spaced paragraphs, with double-spacing between paragraphs, write:

1.       The titles of the chapter or section headings.

2.       The TARGET audience for the book and your reasons for why exactly you believe this to be the target audience. Who specifically is the author(s) trying to address, and what does the author say exactly that gives you this impression?

3.       The main topic or issue in at least two (2) substantive chapters/sections, paraphrased in your own words. (Substantive means a chapter that is not just a few pages long, such as the Preface).

4.       Three points each from at least two (2) of the chapters (meaning, a total of at least six points), paraphrased, with page number references from three different parts of each chapter (in other words, do not record three points found on one page, or just on a couple or a few pages).

5.       At least a one-paragraph summation for each of the two chapters/sections (meaning, a total of at least two paragraphs), including what the main point or issue is, how the writer goes about discussing that point/issue, and how each chapter concludes—using your own words.

6.       At least a one-paragraph reaction for each of those two chapters/sections. What important points or issues do you believe are raised? What is most interesting about each chapter? What about the chapter is problematic or questionable?

 

B. Notes for Journal Articles

Step One:

Put in proper MLA or APA style the following information:

1.       The name of the author(s).

2.       The title of the article.

3.       the name of the journal.

4.       The volume and issue numbers.

5.       The date of publication.

6.       The page numbers.

Step Two:

In single-spaced paragraphs, with double-spacing between paragraphs, write:

1.       The TARGET audience for the article and your reasons for why exactly you believe this to be the target audience. Who specifically is the author(s) trying to address, and what does the author say exactly that gives you this impression?

2.       The main topic or issue of the article, paraphrased in your own words.

3.       Three points from three different parts of the article, paraphrased, with page number references in parentheses. (Do not take 3 points from the same page, or just from a couple or a few pages).

4.       Two important quotations from the article, with page number references, and a brief paraphrase of what each quotation is saying.

5.      At least a one-paragraph reaction to the article. What important points or issues do you believe are raised? What is most interesting? What is problematic or questionable?

 

3. Four In-Class Writings.  10 pts.—Due March 30; April 6, 13, and 20.

You will do FOUR (4) in-class writings which lead up to constructing the final paper. You MUST do all four. These assignments will be handed out in class.

 

4. Abstract and Outline. 10 pts.—Due Monday, May 2

 

A. Abstract Guidelines

Write a 2-3 typed paragraph synopsis that summarizes your paper and states your main argument. This synopsis must be at least half a page, and no more than one page. Single-space, and double-space between paragraphs.

     In your first paragraph, state your topic and thesis. Make a brief comment as to why it is important for your audience to be concerned with this topic, either highlighting how important the topic currently is or how it affects a large number of people.

     Next, give an overview of how your paper is constructed. Explain what you begin to do, how exactly the paper progresses, and what occurs at the paper’s end.

     Lastly, mention some of the main points you raise in the body of the paper (This can be done as you give an overview for how your paper is constructed).

NOTE: In writing the abstract, keep everything in the PRESENT tense. Do not say what you “will” do in the paper—this is only done in the prospectus. State what it is you do.

 

B. Outline Guidelines

In addition to the abstract, you will construct an outline. You may either construct your outline  formally (I, A, etc.), OR, you may gloss your essay:

1. Topic: Stated in one sentence.

2. Thesis: Stated in one sentence.

3. One sentence for each paragraph which states the main gist of that paragraph—what it basically says. Include a comment on one or two points raised within the paragraph.

 

5. Secondary Source Annotated Bibliography. 20 pts.—Due Friday, April 15

Record 6 sources, typed, doing the following:

1.       Give bibliographic information, including author’s name, title, source, publisher, publication date, and page numbers, following MLA or APA format.

Then, in one single-spaced paragraph:

2.       State the author’s thesis

3.       Give a brief summary of the text. Do not merely copy off the abstracts you get from the library terminals and internet. Rephrase.

4.        Comment on source's usefulness to your own purposes.

 

A. Mandatory Guidelines:

1.       You must site one (1) specialty encyclopedia or resource text. General resources, such as the Encyclopedia Britannica or generic, non-scholarly web sites are not acceptable).

2.       You must site two (2) newspaper articles (no more than three) from national newspapers such as New York Times, Washington Post, or Cleveland Plain Dealer, published within the last 10 years. These articles must not be editorials, letters to the editor, or snippets. They must be full-length articles.

3.       You must cite one (1) scholarly web site that pertains to your topic. This web site can be from one of UM-Flint Library’s Databases, or from the Rereading America web site. (You may cite no more than TWO).

4.       You must cite one source published at least 25 years ago (pre-1980).

5.       You may (not must) interview one (1) faculty member who has expertise in the subject you are researching. The interview can ONLY be with a faculty member (in other words, no friends or family members, etc.). If you interview a faculty member, record the date of the interview, one page of questions you asked, and a one-page summation of the interviewee’s responses.

B. Point Assessment

MISSING ENTRIES

PRESENT ENTRIES

POINTS

0

6

20

1

5

18

2

4

15

3

3

10

4

2

7

5

1

5

6

0

0

NOTE: Points will also be affected by documentation style, format, and length of annotations.

 

6. Rough Draft. 10 pts.—Due Wed., April 27

This rough draft must be at least 8 TYPED pages, have a title, and include proper parenthetical notation. FAILURE TO TURN IN A ROUGH DRAFT ON THE DUE DATE WILL RESULT IN A FINAL PAPER GRADE OF NO HIGHER THAN C. Obviously, turn in the rough draft.

 

7. Final Paper. 20 points—Due with Final Portfolio (May 9)

     You will write an 5-7 page essay, which must be argumentative or analytical in scope. Absolutely no strictly informational essays will be accepted.

 

A. Requirements

1.       The essay must be 5-7 pages in length, and have a minimum 5 FULL pages. Page numbers do not include the title page, work cited page, and appendices.

2.       The essay must be typed, with double-spacing and standard margin settings.

3.       The essay must have a Title page, with a real title (not, for example, “Cloning: A Research Paper” or “Home Schooling: An Analysis”). The title must be center of the page, and the name, course, and date must be in the lower right-hand corner

4.       The essay must have a Works Cited Page.

5.       The essay must have no more than 3 block quotations. Block quotations must be single-spaced.

6.       The essay must have parenthetical notation throughout.

7.       Pages must be numbered in the upper right-hand corner.

8.       The essay must make use of at least 4 substantive scholarly sources.

9.       Appendices are optional.

 

B. Point Assessment

Points are assessed for this part of the project thus: 

LETTER GRADE

POINTS

A

20

A—

18

B+

16

B

14

B—

12

C+

10

C

8

C—

6

D

4

E

0

 

C. Final Paper Grading Criteria

1.       Does the paper adhere to all the paper requirements?

2.       Is the thesis clearly stated?

3.       Is there a clear section on background information, with sources properly documented?

4.       Is there a clear analytical section, with sources properly documented?

5.       Does the writer include his/her voice and not just merely state what other sources say?

6.       Is the paper driven by more than just a few sources?

7.       Does the writer acknowledge multiple views of the subject, and the subject’s complexities? Does the writer not reduce the issue to simplistic ideas or speak in generalities?

8.       Does the writer focus on a particular angle or component of a larger issue?

9.       Has the writer used at least 5 substantive sources in the paper?

10.   Is the paper free of a number of grammatical errors and other proofreading errors?

 

8. Presentation and Peer Evaluations. 10 pts.—Due May 2-May 6

You will present your project to your classmates. You will also comment on three (3) of your classmates’ projects, with a response sheet, which I will supply. Sell your project to your classmates. Try to get them interested in what you have researched.

The presentation will be in a portfolio with the following:

1.       Your abstract.

2.       At least one graphic (article, pictures, web site, etc.).

3.       Your research journal.

4.       Your annotated bibliography.

5.       Your rough draft.

6.       A list of references, from your research.

 

CONCLUDING NOTES

1.       SEE ME IF YOU NEED ANY HELP. Problems inevitably arise any time one does a research project. This is part of the nature of doing research.

2.       See me if you have any questions regarding the suitability of your sources, especially if you are unsure if a particular source is scholarly.

3.       Remember that the final paper alone does not determine your grade. The other parts of the project are also important. The goal here is not to write a “perfect” research paper, but rather to demonstrate that you do know how to do research in the library, that you can comprehend scholarly writing and scholarly materials, and that you can write a paper that shows careful and in-depth thought and balance. Therefore, put forth a sincere effort in your work.

4.       Remember, in the end, I don’t give you a grade; you earn it.

5.       Lastly, odd as it may sound, try to enjoy this project. The work you do here can benefit you in your future courses and professions, and will if you put forth a sincere effort.

 

THE FINAL RESEARCH PORTFOLIO IS DUE ON MONDAY, MAY 9, BY 12 P.M.

 

 

 

 

 

95-100 pts. = A      90-94 pts. = A—

86-89 pts. = B +         85 pts. = B

80-84 pts. = B—    76-79 pts. = C+

71-75 pts. = C        70 points or fewer = D

 

B. Point Assessment

Points are assessed for this part of the project thus: 

LETTER GRADE

POINTS

A

20

A—

18

B+

16

B

14

B—

12

C+

10

C

8

C—

6

D

4

E

0