Cultural Anthropology: End-of-the-module summary paper

TL;DR:
The end-of-the-module paper should be focused, well-organized, and free from grammar and spelling errors. The topic should be in line with course material. Plagiarism, including using uncited quotations or paraphrased ideas, is academic misconduct and can result in penalties. Strong papers demonstrate depth of thought, logical organization, and originality. The paper should have a concise, evidence-based thesis statement. Use the assigned citation style consistently and include a source list.

Professional Studies: Bridge program module

Due: During the first week of the next module.

Page 6 of the syllabus (Student Guide) has a fairly complete description and outline of what you are expected to cover in your paper.

Some suggestions for a topic for your paper

Writing standards

The following instructions may seem finicky. Following them, however, will greatly help me to read and properly grade your paper.

If submitting a printed copy, double-space it. Use standard formatting: one-inch margins and a 12-point font. Do not enlarge fonts or margins to make a short paper appear longer.
Number your pages. Use automatic page numbering when possible; for printed copies, you may add page numbers by hand.
If submitting a printed copy, staple the pages together.
Put your name on the paper.
Remember: I expect students to produce written work that is focused, well-developed, organized, and relatively free of grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors. Papers that fall short of this standard may be returned for revision. [ more ]
Don't plagiarize. The availability of material that can easily be copied and pasted from the Internet can make it tempting to use someone else's words without proper acknowledgment. Identify directly quoted material with quotation marks or block quotation formatting, and cite its source. Cite paraphrased ideas as well. Plagiarism is considered academic misconduct. [ more ]

A 3 1/2-minute explanation of plagiarism by Dr. Andrew Kinkella.

Need some writing help?

Improve your grades by catching common writing mistakes. Learn how to proofread more effectively. [ more ]

-- Howard Culbertson, hculbert@snu.edu

Afterword

Writing a top-notch research paper for a college course takes careful planning, thorough research, and effective organization. Here are ten tips to help you craft the best possible term paper:

Make sure you comprehend the requirements. These will include the topic, length, formatting, and deadlines. If you are uncertain about any of these, do not hesitate to ask for clarification.
Select a topic of interest to you that is in line with the course material. Make sure it is specific enough to examine in depth but broad enough to find sufficient research material.
Use reputable sources. These include academic journals, books, and scholarly databases. Take detailed notes. Keep track of your sources for proper citation.
Organize your ideas and research findings into a coherent structure. A well-structured outline will serve as a road map for your paper. It will also help you stay focused and on track.
Your thesis should clearly state your paper's central idea or main argument. It should be focused, concise, and supported by evidence.
Each paragraph should focus on a single idea or point. It should have a clear topic sentence and supporting evidence. Make sure your writing is coherent and flows logically from one paragraph to the next.
Cite your sources accurately using the assigned citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, or Chicago). Be consistent with your formatting. Include a source list titled "References," "Works Cited," or "Bibliography," as required by the assigned style.
Take the time to revise your paper for clarity, coherence, and accuracy. Check for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Be sure that your writing is polished and professional.
Ask a fellow student, professor, or tutor to review your paper and provide constructive feedback. Fresh eyes can catch mistakes or areas for improvement that you may have overlooked.
Before submitting your paper, proofread it one final time. Look for lingering errors and typos. Reading your paper aloud can help you identify awkward phrasing or grammatical issues.