10-15 pages, typed, double-spaced, and stapled. No plastic covers or binders please, unless you need to bind appendix materials.

Students will write a 10-15 page (double spaced, typed) research paper either as 1. a critical analysis of a body of scholarly literature on a topic of interest to the student or 2. as an argumentative essay that advances/applies one or more of our theories to an organization. The paper should draw upon and reference at least five relevant academic sources to ground its analysis. Students are required to check topics in advance with the professor. Sample papers are available in my office.

Your final paper will demonstrate your full grasp of the theory and offer application of the theory to the organization, concept or event. You will need to do additional research into the theory as well as research into the organization, concept or event. Narrow and focus your thesis for a manageable project. Topics are to be approved by me. You may write this as a consultant’s report, complete with logo design. However, your primary focus should be content and style.

Papers are to be organized as follows:

I. Opening/Introduction/Thesis Statement

II. Discussion of Theory

III. Organization, Concept or Communication Event Discussion

IV. Analysis - how theory explains the artifact

V. Consultant’s Suggestions and Remarks

VI. Appendix (optional)

VII. Bibliography - attend to proper format.

Be creative! This is your chance to apply what you’ve learned to something you find interesting.

Papers will be evaluated on content, research, sophistication of analysis and extent of consultant’s suggestions. They will also be graded on style, grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc. In other words, your grade will suffer if your paper has errors. MLA style is acceptable. Be attentive to proper citation form. I highly recommend you go to the Writing Lab, as part of your grade is based on mechanics.

Be certain to use correct citations. Plagiarized work will be turned over to the Honors Board.

Check with me regarding your thesis and argument.

• Choose a topic that interests you. Have some fun with this!

• Use the word "I." Make your own argument supported by extensive research.

• Go to the Writing Lab!
• Label each section according to the above headings.
• Include page numbers on each page (do not count bibliography or works cited in the 10-15 pages). 10 pages does not mean 9 1/2 or 9 3/4. You'll need at least 10 FULL pages to develop and make an argument.
• Bibliography should be in MLA, Chicago or APA.
• Citations should follow above style guide.
• Your thesis statement should be readily apparent in your first two paragraphs.
• Spelling — there is a difference between "affect" and "effect." Do not count on "Spell Check."
• No papers analyzing fraternities or sororities.
• Margins should be standard according to above referenced style guides — don’t stretch it! I can tell….
• Font should be no more than 12 pt.
• If you copy any or all of your paper or if you don’t bother to cite your sources, I will consider this plagiarism. If the Honors Board proves the matter — you will receive a 0 for the assignment.