The topic of this synthesis paper is completely open. You might consider looking for research topics in one of these categories: a career field, current events, communities, politics, hobbies/interests, and education.
As you approach this assignment, you should follow these steps:
Brainstorm possible topics and develop a research question (Journal 5)
Use online search engines and the library databases to locate at least five different sources related to your research questions (Weeks 6-7)
As you read, look for connections between the sources. Consider these questions:
Where do they agree?
Where do they disagree?
Do they cite the same experts? Can you find the original studies/sources they cite?
Which sources make the strongest arguments?
What limitations do you find in the sources?
Summarize and evaluate each source (at least five) to create an Annotated Bibliography (more about this on a separate assignment sheet).
1 Annotation is due in Journal 6, Week 7
Full Annotated Bibliography is due in Week 8
Formulate a thesis. Remember you will make an informative claim about your sources.
Begin drafting your essay
Attend an in-class instructor conference in Week 10
Submit a draft for Peer Review in Week 11
Make revisions in response to peer reviews
Submit final essay in Week 12
Write position paper over research topic (due Week 15)
Present to class about your findings Week 16
Your essay should include the following:
A thoughtful introduction that includes a hook, background/context (though context could be found in the first body paragraph, depending on your topic), and a thesis statement that offers an informative claim about your topic and sources.
For example:
Although experts do not always agree on whether Jane Austen should be considered a feminist, they do agree that her works present strong, female characters who display feminist qualities.
News sites and publishers often offer different perspectives about current events that contribute to extreme polarization of US citizens.
Body paragraphs that contain topic sentences and concrete supporting details from sources.
At least 5 sources must be used and cited
Provide context (background information) for your topic
Don’t just summarize your sources. Explain how the source supports your thesis.
Each topic sentence will identify an overarching point of agreement/disagreement within your claim (or in other words, each paragraph should discuss a pattern or theme within the research)
An appropriate conclusion that reinforces your claim and leaves the reader thinking about the implications of the issue (answers the “So What?” question).
Works Cited page formatted in MLA style, citing all sources you used in your essay.
Format and Submission:
Your paper should be 1200 words long, with the essay, in-text citations, & the Works Cited formatted using MLA guidelines (For MLA consult WL A.2 and OWL Purdue). It should be typed using MSWord or Google Docs, and saved as a .doc or .pdf file (not .pages).The topic of this synthesis paper is completely open. You might consider looking for research topics in one of these categories: a career field, current events, communities, politics, hobbies/interests, and education.
As you approach this assignment, you should follow these steps:
Brainstorm possible topics and develop a research question (Journal 5)
Use online search engines and the library databases to locate at least five different sources related to your research questions (Weeks 6-7)
As you read, look for connections between the sources. Consider these questions:
Where do they agree?
Where do they disagree?
Do they cite the same experts? Can you find the original studies/sources they cite?
Which sources make the strongest arguments?
What limitations do you find in the sources?
Summarize and evaluate each source (at least five) to create an Annotated Bibliography (more about this on a separate assignment sheet).
1 Annotation is due in Journal 6, Week 7
Full Annotated Bibliography is due in Week 8
Formulate a thesis. Remember you will make an informative claim about your sources.
Begin drafting your essay
Attend an in-class instructor conference in Week 10
Submit a draft for Peer Review in Week 11
Make revisions in response to peer reviews
Submit final essay in Week 12
Write position paper over research topic (due Week 15)
Present to class about your findings Week 16
Your essay should include the following:
A thoughtful introduction that includes a hook, background/context (though context could be found in the first body paragraph, depending on your topic), and a thesis statement that offers an informative claim about your topic and sources.
For example:
Although experts do not always agree on whether Jane Austen should be considered a feminist, they do agree that her works present strong, female characters who display feminist qualities.
News sites and publishers often offer different perspectives about current events that contribute to extreme polarization of US citizens.
Body paragraphs that contain topic sentences and concrete supporting details from sources.
At least 5 sources must be used and cited
Provide context (background information) for your topic
Don’t just summarize your sources. Explain how the source supports your thesis.
Each topic sentence will identify an overarching point of agreement/disagreement within your claim (or in other words, each paragraph should discuss a pattern or theme within the research)
An appropriate conclusion that reinforces your claim and leaves the reader thinking about the implications of the issue (answers the “So What?” question).
Works Cited page formatted in MLA style, citing all sources you used in your essay.
Format and Submission:
Your paper should be 1200 words long, with the essay, in-text citations, & the Works Cited formatted using MLA guidelines (For MLA consult WL A.2 and OWL Purdue). It should be typed using MSWord or Google Docs, and saved as a .doc or .pdf file (not .pages).
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