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.
