RESEARCH ESSAY GUIDELINES
Length: 2,500 words (not counting references or title page).
Grading: The essay is worth 30% of your final grade. It will be graded out of 100 and converted to a grade out of 30 based on the following:
Introduction and Thesis (10 points)
Content, Sources, and Citation (40 points)
Analysis (30 points)
Writing and Organization (20 points)
This breakdown, while subjective, nevertheless covers the major areas of importance in any research essay. It demonstrates that a research essay involves more than the presentation of relevant information on a given topic. A grade breakdown shows the relative strengths and weaknesses of the essay. It helps a student recognize areas requiring improvement so that essays in other courses will be stronger.
1. Introduction and Thesis (10 points) The Introduction tells the reader what to expect in your essay. It is not sufficient, however, to state your subject. A good “hook” provides context for your essay. Your introduction should situate your essay in relevant research literatures and/or issues facing Canada and Canadians. In other words, tell the reader why this topic is an important issue of study. Provide a research question and thesis statement. Tell the reader your plan for the essay.
2. Content, Sources, and Citation (40 points) Content refers to the basic information provided in your essay, including your account of the topic and identification of major issues to consider. Be sure to introduce and define key concepts. A major consideration is your ability to present an adequate account of the research material or data without being too descriptive.
There are countless potential sources for interdisciplinary Canadian Studies research essays. Have you identified and used sources that help you describe your topic and support your analysis? Use at least 5 peer-reviewed academic sources. Are they relevant? Are they too dated? Depending on the topic, this includes identifying and using key academic sources and /or public policy sources (legislation, programs, polls, etc.). You can use other sources (e.g. news stories to supplement your research.
This is a research essay. Course readings do not count as one of your academic sources. Instead, use course readings as initial sources when beginning your search. The Canadian Studies subject guide and the Indigenous Studies subject guide are useful starting points for research in SICS. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the course, many other subject guides are also helpful, including the Government Information page.
Sources should be properly referenced. You can use one of the following styles: APA, Chicago, or MLA, and indicate which style you are using. For information on these styles, see https://library.carleton.ca/guides/help/citing-your-sources.
To avoid the serious charge of plagiarism (using the ideas and information of others without acknowledging that they are not your own), references must be used (please see the course outline for a detailed discussion of academic integrity). Citations should be provided when you use the information or ideas of others. THEY ARE NOT ONLY USED IN CASES OF DIRECT QUOTATION! However, know when to cite. Over-citation (e.g. every sentence) interrupts the flow of a paper.
The bibliography should include all sources consulted and used during the research process. Compiling a good bibliography but relying extensively on one or two sources lowers your mark in this section (this is also applicable to the analysis section).
3. Analysis (30 points) It is not enough to present information on a given subject. Equally important is the degree to which you have analyzed the material, supported your thesis statement, and answered the research question. Do not make unsupported claims or statements. Avoid opinionated or dogmatic statements. Other issues to consider include links to course objectives, possibilities for future research, and the policy and/or political implications of your research topic and analysis.
4. Writing and Organization (20 points) Good structure and organization, an effective writing style, and the proper use of language greatly strengthen the transmission of ideas. Poor writing weakens the essay. Avoid one-sentence and long paragraphs. Write directly using an active voice. Avoid jargon. Feel free to use “I” in your paper.
Students frequently have problems with grammar, syntax, and spelling. To overcome these problems, finish a draft of your essay a few days before the deadline. This allows you to edit your paper and catch typos and grammatical errors (as well as more substantive problems in your paper). It will also give you a fresher perspective on your work. Read your paper aloud, as this will help you to discover if your paper reads smoothly and easily (it also helps you identify long sentences). You can also contact Carleton’s Writing Services for help.
Good organization is critical. Organize your essay in a logical and coherent fashion so that the information, ideas, and arguments are communicated effectively. Develop an outline before you begin writing; this ensures that the information you present does not contradict your thesis statement.
GOOD LUCK!
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