VSJ100 Paper Topics

Paper #2 is due by November 20. It's purpose is for you to demonstrate creativity, critical thinking, and writing ability. Select one of the topics listed in the navigation pane on the left.  Some of the topics present you with questions to answer. But those are only there to clarify what a topic means. Remember, you aren't answering an essay question for a test, but rather writing a coherent paper that has a thesis or point of view and presents specific evidence.

• Synthesize and analyze, don't summarize.  Your paper is an act of creation that engages and persuades the reader.

• And don't forget to be interesting.

You will be able to revise Paper #2, but that is optional. 

About 3 pages length, Times New Roman 12pt font, 1.5 spacing (not double spaced).

You can go longer than 3 pages if you need the space. Please make sure, however, that your writing is concise and not repetitive, and that length is based on need, not wordiness.

Ordinarily, you should cite your sources within the text in academic writing. For this paper, you can just list the sources you used.

Organization/Style (50 points)

• Your paper is an act of creation, (not a mere summary) that engages the reader and is interesting. If you are bored by your paper topic, so will your reader.
• Your paper is well written.
• The paper has a structure and is coherent. It is not repetitive.
• The overall organization of paragraphs is logical and supports the thesis.
• The paper is free from grammatical errors. 
• Words are well chosen. Sentences and paragraphs are well constructed. Sentences and paragraphs transition smoothly. Sentences are not unnecessarily wordy. Every word and every sentence and every paragraph serve a purpose. 

Research, Argumentation, and Use of Evidence (50 points)

• Your thesis makes it clear the argument being advanced. 
• Your paper is developed logically and thoroughly. You avoid and broad generalizations.
• If appropriate, you acknowledge multiple viewpoints and anticipate objections effectively.
• Your paper is analytical and not merely a recitation of facts, dates, and events. Sufficient back story is provided to place the argument in context. If you mention a specific historical event, or a person, or a document, you provide enough description of the event, person, or document for the reader to understand what you are arguing. 
• Supporting evidence and examples are relevant and convincing.  Your sources are accurately quoted, summarized, paraphrased, and listed at the end of your paper. It is always clear when information, opinions, or facts come from a source as opposed to coming from you.
• It is clear to the reader that you are knowledgeable about the subject.