Architecture
The first step in writing a successful academic paper is producing an outline to guide your work. As a first step, this outline assignment requires you to select a paper topic, produce a working title and abstract.
Produce an outline with the following 4 components:
1. Working Title Draft a working title for your paper, which should include the name of the selected work of architecture.
2. Abstract Write a 250- to 350-word abstract, including a brief introduction, an identification of your chosen topic, and a thesis statement. Underline your thesis statement to emphasize it within the abstract.
3. Paragraph Outline Produce an outline that highlights the topic / content of each paragraph. The outline should have at least 5 paragraphs, but will likely have more due to the required length of the paper. The paper must include an introduction paragraph and a concluding paragraph. Write one or two sentences for each paragraph outlined to communicate the focus and what will be discussed.
Additional Guidance for Producing the Outline
Thesis Statement A strong thesis statement is key to the writing of a successful academic paper. Typically placed at the end of the first paragraph, the thesis statement should be specific, state your argument, and layout what will be covered in the body of the paper.
For example, two thesis statements are provided below discussing Frank Lloyd Wright, a well-known American Architect. (Note: the examples below do not align with the topic for Paper 1, they are provided as general guidance.)
Frank Lloyd Wright was the best architect who ever lived in America and changed residential architecture forever with his passion and dedication. (WEAK THESIS)
A staunch proponent of neo-vernacular architecture in the early 20th century, Architect Frank Lloyd Wright impacted the residential American landscape through his critical writings, built works, and pedagogic apprenticeship program. (STRONG THESIS)
The second example is stronger than the first because it communicates:
· a specific scope or focus for the paper (Wright is the focus)
· takes a position (Wright impacted the residential American landscape)
· outlines three examples / sources to prove the position (critical writings, built works, and pedagogic apprenticeship program)
· Uses keywords and terms from the discipline that bring additional clarity, focus, and specificity
Paragraph Outline Using the thesis statement as a guide, the paragraph outline should communicate how the content of the paper will be organized. The introduction paragraph should include the thesis statement. Each body paragraph should have a clear idea, which points back to the thesis statement, and includes evidence to support your idea. Be as specific as possible, with focus and clarity.
To plan for the content and organization of each body paragraph, it’s helpful to review a typical outline for each body paragraph, sentence by sentence.
1. Body Paragraph Topic Sentence: Expresses the main idea of a paragraph
2. Supporting Sentence: Sub-points that further explain and/or develop the main idea; Aim for 1 - 3 supporting sentences per paragraph.
3. Detailing Sentences: Concrete examples, research, case studies, etc. that prove your supports; Aim for 1 -3 detailing sentences for every supporting sentence.
4. Concluding Sentence: Brings paragraph to closure; also often transitions to the next paragraph.
Resources for Paper Writing The UF Writing Studio is a free service for current UF graduate and undergraduate students. Students have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a consultant on issues specific to their own particular development. Appointments can be made on their website for virtual consultations (https://writing.ufl.edu/writing-studio/). These consultations are especially helpful to students who may need assistance with developing a thesis, using research to back up the position taken in the thesis, and organizing their thoughts / content within the paper.
Draw connections between the Renaissance period and the work of Andrea Palladio, Villa Barbaro from this period, investigating the period’s origin, time frame, design approach, notable characteristics, etc. Investigate the specifics of the work of architecture, such as form, materials, details, construction, assembly, etc, exploring its alignment or contrast to typical works from the period. Consider the architect’s / designer’s role or relationship to the period and the impact of the period on the architect’s work.
Assignment Write a 2,500-word paper that studies and interprets the work of architecture according to the topic. To understand and interpret the work of architecture, students should utilize a range of sources and materials, such as: photographs; written history; interviews; design and construction documents; material sources and selections; and more.
The paper should be a holistic interpretation of the work of architecture, investigating a range of internal and external factors. The paper SHOULD NOT be a research report or book report, which is focused on the recounting of facts or is solely describing the work of architecture. This paper SHOULD BE an interpretation of the information students discover about the work of architecture and the thesis statement should clearly articulate the unique position that will be explored in the paper. Analysis and synthesis of research is required to produce a paper that satisfies this assignment.
The paper must include a thesis statement, which states this unique position and guides the organization of the paper. This thesis statement communicates the ‘big idea’ for the paper to the reader and is backed up by evidence / research. This assignment challenges you to interpret the work of architecture for yourself. What are your ideas about the work of architecture in relationship to the topic?
Additional Guidance for Producing the Paper Do not overlook sources which may be focused on the architect, time period, etc, rather than the individual work of architecture. A minimum of 6 scholarly sources is required.
In your research and interpretation, the physical characteristics of the work of architecture are likely to stand out to you, as these are easily seen and assessed in photos and drawings. In addition to the physical, don’t overlook the range of intangible factors that guided the creation of the architectural work. For example, the specific preferences of the architect, the financial budget available, and the time period.
In the writing of the paper, be sure to use a more formal academic style of writing. While you’ll be communicating your ideas and conclusions, you should not use first person statements using “I”, “me”, or “my”. You should write from a third person point of view.
Resources for Paper Writing Note the detailed requirements outlined below. Points will be deducted for not following the prescribed format, citation style, etc.
General - 2,500 (minimum) word count. - The paper must follow Chicago Manual of Style, 16th edition. - Use New Times Roman font, 12 point, single-spaced, with all margins set to one inch (1”). - 6 scholarly sources is required
Word Count The word count does not include footnotes, abstract , captions, and bibliography, outline.
Cover Page Create a cover page that includes: - Title of Paper - Student’s Name - Course and Section Number, Semester and Year - Word Count
Images The paper should include a minimum of 5 images. Select images that enhance or illustrate the ideas you are discussing. Each image should be clearly labeled, have a caption, and the source be clearly cited in the footnotes at the bottom of the page. For example: “Figure 1: The north façade clearly features the library entrance and the intricate Art Deco details.32 “ The image label (ie. Figure 1) should be referred in the body of the paper to connect the paper text and images.
The images should be included on their own pages after the paper text and before the bibliography. Note: The images and their captions do not contribute towards or reduce the word count.
Citations + Citation Style Use Chicago Style 16th edition for footnotes (embedded at the bottom of each page) and a bibliography (at the conclusion of the paper). The Purdue Owl is a great source for citation information and guidance. For Chicago Style citations, note that the bibliography format is slightly different from the footnote format.