midterm help

Now Write your paper (grading guidelines below...read carefully)

Length and Formatting

· Please only use up 2 lines for your name, title and professor

· Paper must be a MINIMUM of 3-5 FULL pages and follow the following formatting:  1" Margins, 12 pt font, Times New Roman, 1.5 spacing (not double!)

· If you do not follow the length and formatting guidelines, your paper will be returned to you and will not be graded.

Grading Rubric:

1st Paragraph-Introduction  (5 points)

· Introduce the topic by providing some context (what is it important to note about our society, economy, institutions, history, etc in order to fully understand the topic).  

· State your thesis to the question:  How does the way that media and entertainment portrays under-represented communities (minorities) contribute to negative race relations in this country (stereotypes, racism, sexism and homophobia)?    Don't know what a thesis is?  

2nd Paragraph-Supporting Evidence #1

· Provide 3 reasons to back up your argument.  EACH reason must be supported with evidence from the research.

3rd Paragraph-Considering the Other Side

· Provide at least 2 arguments that contradict your thesis (the other side of your argument) with supporting evidence from the research or personal experience.

4th Paragraph-Consequences 

· Why is this topic important to consider?  

· What might be the effects or consequences of not considering this topic?  

· What could change if we consider the topic and take action?

5th Paragraph-Assumptions and Critical Thinking 

· What assumptions did you have about the question before you began and how were they affected by your research?

· What do you think affects people's perspective on this question?

· Summarize your argument and reflect on how your thinking changed after doing the research. 

Research  

· 5 sources must be cited.  You must use diverse sources (academic writings, journals, news outlets,blogs and websites, etc)  Do not use more than one non-credible source (blog from a non-expert, opinion pieces, etc)  You can use any citation method you choose.   Don't know how to cite?

· Provide a bibliography.

· Research must be summarized or analyzed in YOUR OWN WORDS.  If you quote the research, please do not quote more than 1-2 sentences.  When you do quote the research, you must then explain it or analyze it.  It cannot stand alone.  Plagiarism will cause you to receive a 0 on this assignment.   What is plagiarism?

Unsure of how to write a research paper?  You can visit the library and one of our friendly librarians can help you!!  Or  use their online research guide .