Final Paper

• Specific – Does the project/paper have a specific topic? Is there a focus on the topic?

• Clear – Does the project/paper demonstrate clear writing? Is it easy to read and understand?

• Research – Does the project/paper demonstrate research beyond what is covered in the Modules? Are the research sources reliable?

• Development – Is the project/paper developed in a logical manner to enhance the topic beyond the introductions provided through the Modules?

• Interest – Is the project/paper visually and topically interesting? How does the project/paper keep the reader’s interest? Are there appropriate and topical images in the project/paper? Do the images supplement and augment the topic?

Master Paper Rational: Students have been introduced to Islamic Humanities through a vast amount of content in this course. As the course comes to a close, students must reflect on the many topics that they have studied in the 8 course Modules and select one focused topic to write the Master Paper. 

Assignment: Students will create a one-page paper on a topic that they feel they have "mastered" (learned excellently) because of this course. The paper must be research and fact-based, and contain at least one-color image (unless none exist on this topic).  Students may decide how creatively they wish to make this document (MS Office, Apple Pages, Adobe Illustrator, etc.). THE SUBMITTED PAPER MUST BE A PDF OR WORD FILE. The end result must look like a published page of a scholarly journal. The one-page document must be Wow! - Intelligent to the mind, and beautiful to the eyes. 

All work must be in English. If Arabic or another language is utilized in any form, then its translation and the source of translation must be clearly stated in the document itself. When a work of art or a literary phrase showcases calligraphic writing or cultural value in Arabic language or culture, for example, then translation - and relevance - of the written word(s) must be included in the paper.

The document must include a title and the author's (student's) full name, which must be appropriately incorporated in the one-page; include a minimum of 3 web and print sources.

NOTE: THE PROJECT AND THE MASTER PAPER TOPICS CANNOT BE THE SAME TOPIC. 

Grading criteria: One-page length, focus and specificity, depth, clarity, targeted and detailed research, factual accuracy, credible sources, organization, cohesiveness, correct and clear images, and the “wow” factor.

The Master Paper meets the following course objectives:

• To demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities,

to articulate how these works express the values of the individual and society within an historical and social context,

to articulate an informed personal response and critically analyze works in the arts and humanities,

to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the influence of literature, philosophy, and the arts on cultural experiences, and

to demonstrate an awareness of the creative process and why humans create.