Term Paper: Critical Thinking in the Career Field
Topic - The term paper is a large component of this course. The student will create, research, write, and present a proposal persuading the reader to consider the benefits of a new product, service, procedure, law, step, or solution in his or her career field. Reasons defending the argument's claim must include evidence and/or support from two of the following areas: natural sciences, applied sciences, social sciences, and humanities. The term paper, regardless of format, must include 1 table or graph, 1 direct quote from the required interview, and 1 other quote, paraphrase, or summation of an expert. The paper is in APA format and must include an abstract, in-text citations, and a References page.
Research - The research for this term paper includes the reading, critical analysis, and synthesis of information from articles, texts, statistical sources, websites, and other publications. Support and integration of outside research must include the use of the following (minimum): 2 journal articles; 1 popular or trade magazine; 1 electronic medium source; and 1 personal interview, to be conducted by the student.
Research Proposal - The research and writing for the term paper includes a Research Proposal presented to the class, in which the discussion centers on class suggestions for enriching, advancing, or altering research for the student's term paper. In addition, the Research Proposal presentation may include suggestions on adding, subtracting, or altering components of the research and/or term paper. The Research Proposal presentation includes an outline of the term paper in a written medium of the student's choice, including, but not limited to, PowerPoint, Prezi, or a Word document.
As the research project takes place over a several week period and is a large percentage of the course grade, students should save multiple copies of their work while the project is underway. Each step of this term paper as listed on the syllabus, is mandatory. Presentation and submission of the term paper, in its entirety, is required to pass this course.