Writing/Presentation Projects
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Writing Assignment - Spring 2010

 

Each student is responsible for a research paper and related PowerPoint presentation.  The research paper should run around 10 pages, typed and double-spaced.  The paper must conform to a recognized form and style, for example, the Modern Language Association style (MLA).  The paper is graded on content and writing style.  Failure to follow appropriate rules of grammar will lower the paper grade.

 

Also, the following points must be satisfied for the paper:

  • Headings are used to improve readability

  • Documentation (citation) is provided for all outside material incorporated in the paper. (“www.ibm.com,” for example, is not an acceptable citation.)

  • The paper references at least five sources of outside information

  • Direct quotation is plagiarism unless the quoted materials are enclosed in quotation marks, or for quotations exceeding four typed lines, the quoted materials are signaled by indentation and single-spacing or other appropriate set-off, accompanied by an appropriate citation

You will select the paper topic, subject to my approval.  A one page summary of your paper is due March 9.  The final paper is due April 6.  Presentations will be on April 13 and 20.  A grading rubric for the PowerPoint presentation follows below. The presentation is limited to ten minutes. 

 

General Writing Advice

There are helpful Internet sources of information for use in writing papers.  For example, The Owl (online writing lab) at Purdue University, United States, is a great resource.  A common problem in writing involves proper documentation to outside materials that are incorporated into a paper.  In this regard, at the Owl you will find Resources for Documenting Sources in the Disciplines.  Documenting electronic sources is a sub-area providing useful information necessary for proper documentation. 

 

A good paper requires critical thinking and clear presentation.  A helpful tool with this task is Introduction to Critical Thinking and Writing in Business Law and the Legal Environment, prepared by Roger LeRoy Miller for Cengage Learning.

 

Presentation Rubric

Terry Roach  - Brief Presentation Guide 

 

This site is maintained by Jeffrey Pittman.  Please direct comments to pittman@astate.edu.