research paper about contract with minors

BUS201 – Business Law - Honors Project Professor Yurtseven

In addition to the standard curriculum for this class, students enrolled into the Honors section are expected to produce an additional research paper and presentation, which will demonstrate a deeper understanding of topics covered in this course as well as analytical skills necessary to evaluate specific business situations. During the course of the year we've gone through a number of different subjects; contracts, torts, criminal law, Internet law, product liability, agency and employment law, etc. Each honors student can pick a subject that was discussed in class such as “Contracts with Minors” or “Illegal use of Copyrighted Materials”, “Ethical Scandals”, etc. and pick a recent case involving a topic you find interesting. Your professor must approve the case prior to beginning your research. If you cannot find a case, your professor might assign you one. This assignment consists of a paper and a presentation. The total points you can earn are 120, consisting of up to 100 points for your paper, and up to 20 points for your presentation. The honors project is worth 30% of your entire course grade. Please follow instructions on the next pages.

Research Paper: • Research and develop a draft thesis statement about a topic of interest to you. Ask your

professor to review your statement, discuss your paper. Once your professor approves your topic, begin your research.

• Create an outline for your paper and share it with your instructor for approval. • Your paper must be a minimum of 10 pages, double-spaced, Times-New-Roman font

size 12, 1-inch margins all around, not including title page and bibliography. Your paper must include:

• A thesis statement, a main body including accurate and reliable research • Analysis of your thesis and research • A conclusion with a summary of your research and final statement • A paper that is free of grammatical and spelling errors • Citations in MLA format • Bibliography in MLA format • A minimum of eight reliable references • No plagiarism (Any plagiarism will result in a failing grade and will be reported to

the Academic Disciplinary Committee of the college.) Information to include about your case:

• Brief history of the case. • Who are the plaintiffs, defendants? • Is it a criminal or civil lawsuit? Or both? • Which court/jurisdiction was the case filed in? • What laws, regulations, rules were in question for this case? • What remedies and/or criminal penalties are sought? • What were the judgments? • Were there any appeals and if so, what was the outcome of those? • What ethical issues were evident in this case? • Any other important elements in the case not included on this list. • Your personal opinion/recommendation for this case.

Additional Tips:

• For example, “I” or “we; • Think critically. • Always outline before you begin. • Analyze the readings and stay organized. • Is your thesis always underlined in everything you turned in? • Are your topic sentences always underlined? • Do not use contractions (cannot = J; can’t = L) • Proofread for clarity, punctuation and spelling. • Avoid colloquial language and clichés!

Presentation: You are required to present your research to the class including a PowerPoint or similar presentation slides. If you are taking this class online, you need to submit presentation slides and you may include a video of yourself presenting by either using screen capture recordings, or by recording yourself presenting the research. Videos will receive 10 extra credit points toward your honors project. Presentations guidelines:

• Approximately 5-7 minutes in length • Include professional slides and other prompts if appropriate • Do not read your presentation to the class • List bibliography on your last slide

Additional presentation tips:

• Use the 6x6 rule (no more than six bullets per slide and no more than six words per bullet).

• Use a consistent slide theme • Use occasional pictures if appropriate. • Address the entire class by scanning eyes across classroom. • Dress professionally. • Time your presentation. • Practice, practice, and practice.

GRADING RUBRIC FOR HONORS RESEARCH PAPER

Cagetory/Grade A B C D-F Introduction/ Thesis

____

*exceptional introduction that grabs interest of reader and states topic. **thesis is exceptionally clear, arguable, well- developed, and a definitive statement.

*proficient introduction that is interesting and states topic. **thesis is clear and arguable statement of position.

*basic introduction that states topic but lacks interest. **thesis is somewhat clear and arguable.

*weak or no introduction of topic. **paper’s purpose is unclear/thesis is weak or missing.

Quality of Information/ Evidence

____

*paper is exceptionally researched, extremely detailed, and historically accurate. **information clearly relates to the thesis.

*information relates to the main topic. **paper is well- researched in detail and from a variety of sources.

*information relates to the main topic, few details and/or examples are given. **shows a limited variety of sources.

*information has little or nothing to do with the thesis. **information has weak or no connection to the thesis.

Support of Thesis/Analysis

____

*exceptionally critical, relevant and consistent connections made between evidence and thesis. **excellent analysis.

*consistent connections made between evidence and thesis **good analysis.

*some connections made between evidence and thesis. **some analysis.

*limited or no connections made between evidence and thesis. **lack of analysis.

Conclusion ____

*excellent summary of topic with concluding ideas that impact reader. **introduces no new information.

*good summary of topic with clear concluding ideas. **introduces no new information.

*basic summary of topic with some final concluding ideas. **introduces no new information.

*lack of summary of topic.

Grammar/Usage/ Mechanics

____

*control of grammar, usage, and mechanics. **almost entirely free of spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors.

*may contain few spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors.

*contains several spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors which detract from the paper’s readability.

*so many spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors that the paper cannot be understood.

Citation Format ____

*conforms to MLA rules for formatting and citation of sources are perfect.

*conforms to MLA rules for formatting and citation of sources with minor exceptions.

*frequent errors in MLA format.

*lack of MLA format/numerous errors.

Works Cited/Bibliography

____

*entries entirely correct as to MLA format.

*entries mostly correct as to MLA format.

*frequent errors in MLA format.

*lack of MLA format/numerous errors.