+The Research Process
1. Explore topic basics (casual web searching)
2. Background )library catalog: books)
3. Current research (library databases: journal articles)
4. Support your argument (source citation)
5. Drafts & revisions (research librarians & Writing Center)
+Assignment and research approach
1. Explore topic basics (casual web searching)
3-4 pages total; 4 sources; choose an appropriate citation style; 5% of total course grade (Due October 15)
After identifying a research topic for Big Paper, begin to explore the scholarly literature to see what conversation(s) exist among experts. This assignment has two components:
1. Start by drafting an introduction to your project to-date. First, state your initial research interest (for example, “I am studying ___ because I want to know ___,” or “I’m interested in learning whether/how ____”). Next, translate that interest into a specific question or questions you seek to investigate. Third, provide 2-3 sentences that explain why you are interested in this topic (try and avoid personal justification and instead root your topic in academic/contemporary discussions). Lastly, list in boldface print, your main key-terms that you used in your database search.
2. Next, prepare an annotated bibliography of at least four scholarly, peer-reviewed sources. Each annotation should describe the source, summarize its main point(s), and explain how you’ll use it in the space of ~150-200 words. At the top of your annotation, include the full citation of your source, using your selected style (APA or Chicago).
Information Cycle
Manage & Organize
ProQuest RefWorks - Source citation tool