ENGL 102 - Hovde  

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Research Project

In English 102 students will explore the principles of research as they engage in a quarter-long argument and research project. They will learn the principles of argument-persuasion, and will apply prewriting, drafting, and revising techniques to the crafting of one major paper.

The prompt: Write an eight- to ten-page paper on a current and relevant national or international issue. You will need to do some background research to understand your topic thoroughly. In part of the paper, you will be providing your readers with background information so that they can understand the topic as you do. However, the goal is to persuade skeptical readers to consider your position on this issue.

You will need to support your position with a minimum of ten varied and credible sources. At least four of the ten sources will need to come from academic databases. At least two of the ten sources will need to be print, and at least one of those print sources needs to be a book. You will need to evaluate each source to determine its reliability. Your sources should be current unless you are providing historical background. All quotations, summaries, and paraphrases must be correctly cited and documented using the MLA documentation system.

The final paper is typed and formatted in MLA. You will need a cover page, outline, and works cited page in addition to the eight to ten pages.

RESEARCH SCHEDULE

Week One and Two

• Find a topic and submit a proposal. (due 1/19)

Week Three

• Develop a research strategy.
• Search for sources

Week Four

• Work with those sources.

Week Five

• Submit an annotated bibliography. (due 2/9)

Week Six

• Analyze the research data and respond. (due 2/16)

Week Seven

• Submit an outline. (due 2/23)

Week Eight

• Submit a rough draft. (due 3/2)

Week Nine

• Revise the research paper. (nothing is due)

Week Ten

• Present your research findings to the class. (3/13)
• Submit the final paper. (3/16)