LS101 - Online Paper - DUE APRIL 1, 2004

REQUIREMENTS OF ONLINE PAPER

This project requires you to thoroughly research a topic of your own choosing.    The "Online Paper" will be published on a web page from your Personalweb account.  This paper will be very resource heavy and more like an introduction to a longer paper.  Your grade will be based on the quality and range of sources chosen to research your topic, as well as the attention you give to clear writing and documentation of sources.  Look over Chapter 2 of your textbook for guidance in developing a strategy to research your paper.

Topic: It is fine to research a topic that you plan on writing for another class, or of a personal interest.  The topic should be narrow and not too broad. [Topic needs to be approved by instructor]  Note:  This paper is different than what would be handed in for another class.

Length: Equivalent of 4-5 double-spaced pages in Word (excluding the Works Cited page).  Your paper can be longer if you wish.

Requirements:

A. Title Page: 

Name with link to email address, Title, Course, Date, Instructor name, Copyright Notice, Last Update

B. Table of Contents -

With links to the major sections of your paper

C.. Introduction to your paper should go into some detail about the research methods you used to research your topic. Include the indexes (for example Expanded ASAP, SMC Online Catalog, PsycInfo, Search Engines, Study Guides, etc that you used to research your topic.   You should also include the terminology used to describe your topic from Subject Headings or Descriptor Terms from Thesauri or definitions you find in Reference Sources.  Note in the introduction if the topic is from a Social Science, Science, or Science perspective (see page 160-161 of your textbook for help).  Note if you will rely on certain types of sources - primary sources, statistics, research articles, biographies, newspaper accounts, etc.

D. Number of Sources: 

15 or more

E. Type of Sources: Must include at least 2 sources from each category

1. Reference Books- particularly subject specific encyclopedias, dictionaries, statistical sources.

2. Books, Videos, Maps - Sources found in the SMC Online Catalog and WorldCat.  Depending on your topic, primary sources should be considered.

3. Journals and Newspapers - Using indexes and full text databases from  http://www2.smcvt.edu/library/resources/databases.htm use the right "tool" for your topic area.  Example- Use PyscInfo to research a psychology topic.  In addition Expanded Academic ASAP and Lexis-Nexis may be used.  Also, include two journal articles from a peer reviewed scholarly research journal.

4. Web resources:  3 web sites (maximum) that don't fit the category of books, journals, newspapers or reference works.  Consider graphics, maps, and web sites you have thoroughly evaluated.

One of your sources should use Interlibrary Loan to acquire a book or journal article not carried by SMC Library

F. Conclusion: Include here (or in the body of the paper) the main authorities (authors, experts) and sources (journals, books) for a researcher on your topic. 

G. Works Cited List - Citation Style

Sources will be cited using MLA style as covered in your MLA Handbook  Your textbook also gives examples on  - page 38 - 42 and Appendix A page 362-371.  NOTE: you may use APA style if you prefer.

Sources cited within your paper will be linked to the source in the Works Cited list.  Only sources cited in your paper may be included in the Works Cited section.

*Internet graphics and sources may be "cited" within the text and may be included as one of the 12-15 sources.  See Example Online Paper <http://academics.smcvt.edu/sburks/onlinepaper.htm>

F. Style

Margins - Use 80% of page centered.

Background - White or light color

Font - "normal" - arial, times roman,

Graphics - you are encouraged to use graphics (maps, pictures, photos) in this paper.  Three graphics may be considered as part of your total of 15 sources

Checklist