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Analytical Research Paper OR

Research-based Comparative Analysis

Assignment & Purpose

Write a well-organized analytical research paper on a thought-provoking current or historical issue/idea of importance. A strong analysis requires critical thinking and exploration of voices in an ongoing “conversation” (Chapter 7 in Writing Analytically). Question and understand interpretations, assumptions, arguments, ideologies, cultural values and judgments among the sources. The purpose of this assignment is to develop/practice research skills to locate and evaluate multiple sources, analyze them, determine a direction for the paper based on specific, organized points of analysis, and synthesize with original thought by comparing and contrasting among sources and offering your own fresh insights and implications.

Requirements

· MLA format (4-line heading, header, double spaced, etc.) Must have Works Cited with every draft.*

· Times New Roman, 12-point font

· Academic writing style (Professional 3rd person)

· Strong analysis and synthesis of multiple sources combined with original thought

· 7-10 pages (excluding Works Cited)

· Strong Thesis Statement

· Strong Organizational Scheme

· At least 6 sources used in the paper

Course Student Learning Outcomes

· Demonstrate knowledge of individual and collaborative research processes.

· Develop ideas and synthesize primary and secondary sources within focused academic arguments.

· Analyze, interpret, and evaluate a variety of texts for the ethical and logical used of evidence.

· Write in a style that clearly communicates meaning, builds credibility, and inspires belief or action.

GEARS Student Learning Outcomes

1. Students will evaluate source information in terms of reliability and appropriateness to the context. Collect sources that are appropriate to the context of the assignment (primary, secondary, and/or tertiary) and reliable (authoritative, accurate, and verifiable). See GEARS Power Points: Basics of Evaluating Sources and Basics of Using Online Databases.

2. Students will read critically in order to analyze sources. Read and annotate the texts. Significantly expand your audience’s understanding of texts, concepts, and issues. The thesis will develop after a thorough examination of the source material and give direction to your commentary within the paper, adding tension to the complexity of ideas. See GEARS Power Point: Basics of Critically Reading Sources.

3. Students will synthesize multiple sources and integrate source material effectively with their own thinking. Determine how the texts relate to each other and the topic, compare and contrast the most interesting points of analysis, and add your own commentary to the conversation. Clearly distinguish between source material and your own ideas. See GEARS Power Point: Basics of Synthesizing Sources.

4. Student will attribute and document sources appropriately. All summaries, paraphrases, and quotations of other people’s words and ideas must correctly utilize MLA format for in-text documentation of sources. Distinguish between common knowledge and ideas requiring attribution. Demonstrate full understanding of ethical and legal restrictions of the use of published, confidential, and/or proprietary information. See GEARS Power Point: Basics of Citing Sources.

Evaluation Criteria

See Grading Rubric on class website (Meets Assignment, Thesis, Evidence, Source Use, Audience, Citations, Organization, and Mechanics)

· Annotated Bibliography 10%

· Analytical Research Paper 25%

Annotated Bibliography Due Date: Monday, April 16

Research Paper Due Date: Sunday, April 29 at 11:59 pm

Tentative Schedule for Research Paper and Annotated Bibliography

Monday, April 2

In-Class:

Go over prompt for Analytical Research Paper

Go over Prompt for Annotated Research Paper

Discuss Research Techniques

Wednesday, April 4

In Class:

ARP PowerPoint

Conversing with Sources

Discuss Essays Example

Discuss Annotated Bibliography Example

Homework:

Research: Begin researching and acquiring sources for your paper

Write: Begin Annotated Bibliography

Monday, April 9

In-Class:

Discuss Essay Examples

Homework:

Write: Begin Working on your Rough Draft

Wednesday, April 11

In-Class:

Discuss Essay Examples

Homework:

Write: Begin Working on your Rough Draft

Monday, April 16

In-Class:

Writing Workshop Day

Homework:

Write: Continue Working on Rough Draft

Write: Finish Annotated Bibliography

Annotated Bibliography Due, Monday, April 16

Wednesday, April 18

In-Class:

Writing Workshop Day

Homework:

Write: Continue working on Rough Draft

Monday, April 23

In-Class:

MLA Citation Overview

Writing workshop Day

Final Questions

Wednesday, April 25

In-Class:

Final Questions

Writing Workshop Day

Homework:

Revise your Paper and turn in your final draft by 11:59 PM on Sunday April 29

Due Date: Sunday, April 29,