 |
C/I 11D: The Environment: Issues and ChoicesGeorge
M. Diggs, Jr. |
 |
|
C/I 11D: The Environment: Issues and ChoicesGeorge
M. Diggs, Jr. |
|
THE ENVIRONMENT: ISSUES
AND CHOICES
Communication/Inquiry (C/I) 11D Fall 2000
Assignment: Research Paper and List of Literature Cited
Each student will be required to do a short summary of the most recent research on an environmental topic of their own choosing. The final product will be a four page (typed, double-spaced) summary paper and an associated literature cited. You should have a substantial number of references from a variety of sources with the majority coming from scientific journals (ex. Ambio, Ecology, Environmental Science and Technology, Science), science magazines (ex. Discover, Environment, Scientific American, WorldWatch), the Internet, or books dealing with your topics. Other sources (ex. magazines, newsletters) can be used for “flavor or interest” but should not be relied on for data or substantial amounts of information. You need to give some thought to assessing the quality of your references. A significant number of the references should be recent (within the last 1-3 years). You are required to use the on-line computer search capability available at the Abell Library as well as some sources off the internet. Indicate in your literature cited how you found each reference. You should have at least ten references including three recent original research articles from appropriate sources (articles in sources such as Discover and Scientific American are usually summaries, not presentations of original research). An "original research article" is a report in a scientific journal in which the authors present new data and conclusions based on those data. The citation of references and the format of your literature cited must follow the examples on the attached paper ("in note" style) [to be handed out in class]. Because of time constraints, you should begin work on your paper at least one month in advance of the deadline. I suggest you discuss your choice of topic with me before investing substantial time. Your title, a typed paragraph outlining the topic, and a list of at least three references are due at class time on Monday, 16 October. The first draft of the assignment is due at class time on Friday, 3 November. The final draft is due at class time on Wednesday, 22 November. Staple this sheet to the front of your paper prior to handing it in.
Why were you given this assignment and what do I expect?
You were given this assignment in order to learn about doing up-to-date research in the scientific literature and to improve your writing skills. This is not a lengthy assignment. Rather than giving you a long assignment, my goals include: (1) giving you time to focus on obtaining excellent references and (2) encouraging you to write a quality paper rather than just a lengthy one. Therefore I expect to see a high quality product.
Your grade will be determined by the manner in which you followed the assignment directions, the depth of your research, the quality and recentness of the references, and the integration and understanding shown. Please staple this sheet to the front of your paper.
STUDENT ______________________________
GRADE ________________________________
1. Literature Cited (depth of research; topic covered adequately?;
number and diversity of appropriate references) _________
2. Recentness of references ______________________________________
3. Computer searches indicated ___________________________________
4. Integration and understanding shown ____________________________
5. Correct format (references, lit. cited, length, typed, etc.) __________________
6. Title, paragraph, and list of references completed and on time ______________
7. Oral presentation of paper _____________________________________
COMMENTS:
For further information about this course, please
contact:
| Dr. George Diggs, Professor Department of Biology Austin College 900 N. Grand Ave. Sherman, TX 75090 903-813-2246 Fax: 903-813-3199 gdiggs@austinc.edu |
 |
All text and images on this page copyright 1999, George M. Diggs,
Jr.
