Citation Style
You will cite your paper in the citation style preferred by the discipline in which you are writing. Include a works cited or references page in the same citation style. If you use a citation style that is not MLA or APA, please let your instructor know which citation style you use.
Sources
Academic writing is a conversation. Your final paper must use five credible sources that support your argument or add to the conversation around your main point. Two of your sources must be peer-reviewed journals. Two of your sources must not be listed on the course library guide. You must find them through your own research.
Acceptable scholarly sources include:
- Books/ebooks
- Scholarly or Professional Journals
Acceptable popular sources include:
- Magazines
- Newspapers
- Websites (if scrupulously chosen)
In many academic papers, popular sources will not be allowed, but since this paper may make a claim about a topical, polemic subject in your field, popular sources used for the sake of conveying popular interest or public exigency in a problem are acceptable if used judiciously.
Critical Thinking
- Paper enacts critical thinking in written discourse by evaluating sources, questioning assumptions, being fair to other viewpoints, and using higher-level thinking skills of analysis and synthesis. Critical thinking is clearly developed through productive struggle in the writing process as a way to find, develop, and support ideas with clear evidence.
Text in Conversation/Research
- Paper makes a very strong and necessary point that adds to the conversation. Paper finds a research “niche” so research is relevant and valuable in itself. Paper impeccably employs use of summary, quotations, and framing the conversation in both primary and secondary sources. Sources are used judiciously and properly.
Thesis and Organization
- Thesis is specific, insightful, and predicts the paper’s main points. Organization moves flawlessly, and the reader at no times feels lost. Paper uses metacommentary and other forecasting strategies. Each paragraph of the paper fulfills its role and feels necessary.
Revision
- Paper shows that the student is using the writing process as a thinking process, discovering and changing major points along the way toward significant improvement. Revision efforts show the student does not settle for “good enough,” even if the initial draft is solid.
Grammar, Style, and Citation
- Paper is free of grammatical errors that would impede comprehension. Proper citation style use shows the use of a style guide for difficult citations.