Term Paper
diegosimonelli
TermPaperThesis.pptxComputers and Modern Society: Term Paper Guidelines
Possible new room
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Imagine the scenario in which you’d like to
Describe a controversy surrounding a particular topic
Describe the controversy’s effects on society
Convince the person that your stance is the correct one
Logically arguing your side
Refuting all of the arguments for the other side
This should not read like a book report
Paper Goals
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Your paper should:
familiarize the reader with the general topic that the paper is discussing
describe how computers relate to the topic
present some controversy or debate regarding computers and/or their use in the area
present arguments for both sides of the issue
give accurate evaluations of the opposing arguments
argue for a particular side of the debate, correctly and effectively refuting opposing views
conclude with an accurate and logical explanation of your recommendation as to a solution of the problem.
Paper Goals
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Length: 3,000 words
Make sure to use the Word Count Feature to ensure you have the correct amount
Margins: 1 inch
Font Type: Times New Roman
Font Size: 11
Spacing – No more than 1.5 spacing
Stapled in upper, left-hand corner
Voice: Third person, active
Number the pages (excluding title page)
Elements:
I. Thesis
II. Introduction
III. Discussion of Research
IV. Conclusion
V. Bibliography
Submit on Canvas before deadline
Paper Structure - Overall
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The actual term paper text must have the following sections contained within it. In addition, each section must be labeled within the paper.
I. Thesis
II. Introduction
III. Discussion of Research
IV. Conclusion
V. Bibliography
Body
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The thesis should be a statement of the topic being addressed, the controversy within the topic being presented, and an exact expression the goal of the paper.
The reader should be able to discern what the paper will be about given the thesis and which side of the issue you have taken.
The paper will be read and graded with respect to its goals.
The thesis is a brief summary of your paper written in your words..
The "goal" described in the thesis is not to explain both sides of the topic. It is to show that one side of the issue is more correct than the other. You must choose a side and state in the thesis.
Thesis
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Example
Thesis, The use of social media makes people anti social
Title: The effects of social media on social interactions
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Presents a hint as to the direction of your paper, how you will go about proving your thesis, and an idea of which side of argument you will be advocating.
The actual topic being discussed, as well as an explanation of the debate being addressed and its importance, should be presented.
A general description of the arguments for one side - and then the other - should be cited to show that the paper is indeed addressing a real-life, debatable, non-trivial social concern.
Introduction
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Bulk of paper
Presents the actual research and analysis you have performed.
Clearly present all sides of the issue being discussed, and convincingly evaluate and argue each side, offering both evidence and examples of your claims.
At a minimum:
Detailed description of the debate and current views of it, including at least eight (8) different citations of those authorities within the field who hold these views (see bibliography guide).
Explanation of the positive and negative effects of the issue on society, as well as examples of these effects.
An organized structure of description and evaluation so that the debate is clearly explained and convincingly argued.
Valid argument in support of one view along with reasonable refutation of opposing views.
Discussion of Research
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You can use statistics here
No irrelevant information – address the topic
----- Meeting Notes (8/31/17 10:16) -----
give a list of sources
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Summary of the arguments
Final statements for a solution
Briefly describe how the evidence, examples, and arguments previously presented work to support this final claim
Don’t be a mugwump
Conclusion
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Years ago Congress, statesmen would passionately argue issues and laws in an attempt to justly shape the future of the nation. There were, however, those senators and congressmen that would merely walk on both sides of a controversy and never come down on one side or the other.
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Start on a new page.
Have the word Bibliography centered and at the top.
At least 8 sources
Alphabetized by first author’s last name
Contain a variety of sources from different types and titles of sources
Reflect research into a wide range of areas
not just "Time" magazine
Contain recent sources
less than three years old
Only contain entries that are cited within the text (and you should only cite those listed in the bibliography)
You must cite all new evidence as well as every quotation.
All evidence that can not be considered "common knowledge" must be cited
Bibliography
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Research Librarians
General Current Events
Time, Newsweek, US News & World Report, New York Times, Wall Street Journal
Non-technical Scientific
Discover, Scientific American
Computer related
PC Magazine, PC World, PC Week, Communications of the ACM
Humanistic (i.e. effects of technology on society)
The Humanist, Whole Earth Review, Wired, Mondo
Business related
Business Week, Forbes, Esquire
Where to find sources
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Pre-Grade your paper
Thesis (answer the questions)
What is the issue?
Why is it controversial?
What is your goal (thesis) in writing the paper?
Introduction - answer the questions:
What are the general arguments for both sides of the issue?
How will you accomplish your goal (i.e. prove your thesis)?
Discussion of Research - make sure you:
Give a detailed explanation of the arguments for both sides of the issue.
Identify the positive and negative effects of the issue.
Argue that one side is right.
A simple and effective way of organizing the discussion section is to use sub-headings to clarify what you are trying to communicate.
Conclusion - make sure you:
Summarize your arguments why one particular view of the issue is correct.
Tips on Starting
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