Research Paper Introduction and Rubric:
Introduction:
The Research Paper is your opportunity to develop expertise in a specific area. To achieve this we will use the same method a scholar employs to write a journal article: an idea developed over time through presentation and peer-reviewed drafts. Our process will involve: Proposal, Opening, Draft, Presentation, and Final Version. (See sidebar).
Rubric for the Final Paper:
A: Outstanding:
You demonstrate authority in a specific area through a clear and compelling thesis. The paper is near (at) the level of an undergraduate journal such as the UMF Historian. The bibliography has developed over the semester and represents diverse source types; the paper successfully implements the Chicago style.
B: Good:
A clear and interesting read. The paper goes beyond a summary of sources, yet may be lacking in some areas. The bibliography has developed over the semester and represents diverse source types; the paper successfully implements the Chicago style.
C: Satisfactory to Limited:
A 'C' paper leans toward presenting facts at the expense of larger ideas. Bibliography is okay, but might lack depth (usually overly dependent on websites). Presentation is generally clear but may have a few trouble spots, re-reading is often necessary. The paper successfully implements the Chicago style.
D or F: Poor to Failing:
A paper in this category may have one or more of the following: the reader struggles to understand the paper; the thesis is unintelligible, weakly supported, or contradictory; the bibliography is weak. Note: a paper without bibliography/footnotes is considered plagiarism.