Research Writing - 1st year


Enables students to develop the methods of citation, conventions of style and organization, and critical thinking skills necessary for writing college-level research papers. Students select topics derived from a contemporary academic theme provided by the instructor and, applying a process approach, produce a research paper. Problems with structure and vocabulary usage are addressed individually.



Objectives:

By the end of the course, students will be able to:

1. Write a college-level research paper applying a process approach including but not limited to:

A. Brainstorming
B. Focusing the topic
C. Outlining
D. Performing research
E. Formulating a thesis statement
F. Annotating and integrating research using direct quotation, paraphrase and summary
G. Correctly citing sources
H. Revising and editing
I. Formatting the final draft
J. Generating a works-cited list

2. Find, select, annotate, and synthesize information from college-level source material;

3. Develop and refine keyword searches;

4. Evaluate source material for accuracy, relevance, reliability and credibility;

5. Integrate source material into the main body of the text;

6. Use a variety of attribution techniques;

7. Distinguish among and apply different types of evidence;

8. Employ a variety of research tools both in and beyond the library;

9. Distinguish between MLA and APA documentation style;

10. Correctly format a final draft;

11. Use contemporary word-processing technology for citation and integration of graphic evidence.

Topics:

Course topics will include the following:

1. Structure, usage and style

2. Vocabulary

3. Selection of and note taking from college-level source material

4. Synthesis of source material

5. Citation, summary and paraphrase

6. MLA and APA style

7. Research paper writing

8. Grammar as needed

Method of Instruction:

1. Lecture

2. Discussion

3. Reading

4. Writing

5. Error Analysis

6. Peer editing

Types of Assignments:

1. Selecting source material

2. Note taking from source material

3. Research paper included

4. Mid-year and End-Year Exams



Sample Text:

1. Ballenger, Bruce. The Curious Researcher: a Guide to Writing Research Papers. 3rd Ed. Boston: Longman, 2001.

2. Charnigo, Richard. From Sources to Citation: A Concise Guide to the Research Paper. New York: Longman, 1996.

3. Hairston, Maxine, John Ruszkiewicz, and Christy Friend. Eds. The Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers. San Francisco: Longman, 2002.