The research project is the most important assignment of the semester, combining research, writing, documentation and original thought into one product. It offers each student the opportunity to choose to explore a topic within his/her field and to offer to others the knowledge gained as well as insights especially developed by the writer. All papers must observe the ethical standards supported by the University and the English Department on plagiarism and on dual submission of papers.

The research project must relate Into The Wild, by Jon Krakauer to a "text" selected from the student's major or career field. The two must (1) share one or more themes or (2) raise an ethical dilemma shared by both. Research sources will appear in the paper to assist in the interpretation of the connection between the two "texts." The word "text" includes works of theory, philosophy, art, architecture, performance, information, etc. A biology major might, for instance, compare McCandless' experience of starvation with the diaries recording their own starvation, kept by Jews trapped in the Warsaw ghetto during World War II. A Travel and Tourism major might consult information about the area of Alaska that McCandless entered plus caztalogues from trail outfitting suppliers to determine the equipment and training appropriate for a successful expedition to the same area..

GOALS

• To explore current developments in each student's career field as related to the 2006 Text and Community selection
• To identify key issues which reach beyond a single discipline
• To make an independent contribution to the current state of knowledge on your topic
• To develop an original thesis supported by solid research
• To incorporate a variety of sources, found both in and out of academia
• To practice online as well as library research techniques
• To employ appropriate tone and vocabulary for an academic audience
• To demonstrate mastery of APA or MLA format as appropriate

LENGTH
The paper should contain 5 to 7 pages of text, double spaced. If using APA format, assemble final product in this order:

1. text
2. endnotes if used
3. works cited page(s) containing TEN sources, including Into the Wild.
4. any graphics or appendices

If using MLA format, place the bibliography last.

FORMAT--APA OR MLA
MLA is appropriate for topics in English language or literature, history, foreign languages, the arts, government, business, or any topic with unusual nontraditional sources

APA is appropriate for topics in economics, psychology, mathematics, the sciences, medicine, or any area of research where recency of data is crucial.

Turabian format is not recommended.

REQUIRED ELEMENTS

1. a clear thesis, arguing or persuading in favor of one particular point of view
2. some original contribution to the topic (New procedure, comparison or combination or elements not joined by others, analysis of strengths and/or weaknesses of a plan or position, etc.)
3. a minimum of ten sources, at least two of which must be nontraditional (videotapes, interviews, advertising, movies, class notes, workshops, personal experiences, brochures, art or other objects, etc.)
4. clear attribution of sources used for text, concepts, numbers, statistics, or graphics, either by traditional endnotes/footnotes, or by mentioning the source in the text
5. use of a laser printer for a polished, professional appearance

GRADING
Most important to know is that--as it says on the syllabus--you cannot pass English 302 without completing this assignment. A late paper will be penalized one letter grade for every day that it is late, unless by special PRIOR arrangement with the instructor.

In order of importance, papers will be evaluated on

• clear thesis
• original thought supported by evidence
• inclusion of both general principles and specific, concrete support for same
• documentation of sources
• powerful use of source materials, whether as quotes, statistics, graphics or whatever . All ten sources MUST be referenced in the body of the paper at least once.

DUAL SUBMISSION OF PAPERS
Research papers may be submitted to two professors in the same semester under guidelines established for students by the university.
Click here to go to Guidelines for Dual Submission

REFERENCE SOURCES

After reading Into the Wild, consult the Text and Community web site to see whether its resources might be helpful to you.

Students are encouraged to seek sources in the business and academic worlds to bolster their research. While library research may be helpful, online research will be essential for all papers, given the recency of findings on student topics. A partial list of web sites to visit to get started is included.
Click here to go to Online Sources for Research

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