Overview: Explain an idea you've had while thinking about and researching your chosen topic, and use logic and evidence to convince readers that your idea is true and significant. Think of your thesis as an answer to an important question (even if it's a question no one has thought to ask before). Focus on what you are adding to the "conversation."
Research Requirement:
Minimum of 4 scholarly articles (must be from peer-reviewed scholarly journals)
You may use any additional sources you like, but the scholarly articles must predominate
Audience: Readers of a scholarly or professional journal -- you choose which one. (Use the structure and strategies of scholarly articles you've read as models for your essay - but don't imitate confusing, unnecessarily technical, pretentious, or any other kind of bad writing.)
Skills to focus on: Everything addressed this semester via in-class talks, General Guidelines, individual conferences, and written comments on your previous papers, plus what you've picked up from the examples of research sources. This paper is your final exam.
The grid below lists everything I'm looking for - in sum, the elements of a great paper. (*Notice the very last category, plus the things in bold.*)
Remember what you're good at! Ultimately, this assignment is an opportunity to let yourself and your ideas shine.