(Click here for more general information on the project/paper from the syllabus)

The paper must cover some topic of politics, be based on at least three scholarly sources (not textbooks, encyclopedias, or newspaper/internet articles), and be 6 to 8 typed, double-spaced pages in length (i.e. 6 to 8 pages of text excluding cover sheet, endnotes and bibliography). There will be no partial credit for this assignment - you must complete elements to receive points for the paper. However, you can change your mind at any point if you decide not to complete this optional assignment.

Due dates are:

29 Aug - Submit topic and one page proposal

- One full page typed, double-spaced (Returned for re-work if less than one full page)
- What issues or questions will you address? (two or three issues)
- Why is this subject important in politics or government?
- Why are you interested in this topic?

22 Sep - List of scholarly sources in an acceptable citation format - must be reviewed and signed by an SCC Reference Librarian (you must make an appointment in advance)

- Any acceptable citation format
- Must be a minimum of three but can be more.
- Additions can be made as research progresses.
- Do not use textbooks, encyclopedias, or newspaper/internet articles?

Note - Textbook lists sources at the end of each chapter but textbooks are not scholarly sources

13 Oct - Sentence outline of paper - must be reviewed and signed by ACE Center Specialist (you must make an appointment in advance)

- Three to five pages long (at least three levels deep) - Returned for re-work if less than three pages in length
- Major topics, Subtopics, Paragrahps
- Download Example Outline No. 1 (Adobe Acrobat format)
- Download Example Outline No. 2 (Adobe Acrobat format)

Download free Adobe Acrobat Reader by clicking the icon below

10 Nov - Completed paper - must be reviewed and signed by ACE Center Specialist for proper use of citations (you must make an appointment in advance)

- 6-8 double-space pages (not including cover sheet, endnotes, and bibliography)
- Proper citations with footnotes/endnotes and Bibliography
- Cover sheet, page numbers
- Paper graded as follows: Missing cover page or page number, lack of citations or bibliography, or less than 6 full pages of text is unsatisfactory and paper will be returned for re-work. Content, research, organization, spelling, grammar, and objectivity contribute to overall grade..

5 Dec - Paper returned with grade

Notes:
- All material submitted must be typed
- You can submit any part of the assignment before the deadline
- Topic must be approved before proceeding with the rest of the assignment
- Proper citations required for all direct quotes, paraphrased comments, ideas and data

Assistance
Your most important resources for a research project are found in the Learning Resource Center (LRC). In addition, the Library Reference Staff has prepared a number of online tools to help you. The first is the Library Student Handbook. Another is suggestions for identifying scholarly sources for your research. They have also prepared "pathfinders" for a number of subject areas to help students start a research project. Each pathfinder includes a list of reference books and web sites, plus subject headings to use when searching the online catalog and suggestions on which indexes to search. The Political Science pathfinder is reproduced in the third section of the booklet that you were given on the first day of class. You can contact the Reference Desk to learn more about using pathfinders. The Reference Staff also provides research consultations; an opportunity to receive individual help on an appointment basis. Appointments must be made at the Reference Desk 48 hours in advance. A member of the Reference Staff is available, in person, at the Reference Desk (on the first level of LRC) or online for your questions regarding research sources. The Library maintains an extensive Help Site online. To further aid your research efforts the Reference Staff has compiled a list of General Internet Resources and a list of Political Science Internet Resources.

Assistance is also available at the ACE Center in the SSB building. ACE Center English instructors can provide assistance to students with paragraphs, essays, reports, research papers, resumes, and grammar instruction. The ACE Center has prepared a "Research Review" to assist you in researching and preparing papers. That review is reproduced in the third section of the booklet that you were given on the first day of class.

I am also available for consultation on this project, particularly if you are having difficulty selecting a topic. Make an appointment to see me if you are struggling.

Crediting/Citing Sources
It is very important that you cite the source of all research information in an appropriate format. Some academic departments will require that you use a particular citation format for research papers in their discipline. I am not particular which style you choose for this class as long as you are consistent throughout the paper. The "Research Review" in the last section of the booklet given you on the first day of class explains the formats and gives examples. Read this section carefully before beginning your research project or get citation format information online.

Summary of Online Research Resources
Library Student Handbook
Scholarly vs. Non-Scholarly Sources
Political Science Pathfinder
How To Cite Sources
Internet Resources
Political Science Internet Resources
Electronic Databases
Online Questions For Reference Staff
Evaluating Web Sites
Evaluating Sources of Information
SCC Library Help/Turtorial