English 1301 - Peyer, Valerie: "Writing the Self and the World"

Research Paper Project: “Writing the Self and the World”

In preparation for writing this paper, you will need to:

• Use the SAC Library Databases to find sources related to your topic
• Use the Google “Power Search” tips we will learn in class to find sources related to your topic
• Talk with friends and family members to get their insights about your topic

For student examples of research essays that incorporate interviews, personal experience, and sources, refer to the following student essay posted in Canvas:

• “Jim’s: A Sweet Place”
• “Golden City Supermarket”

Below is a list of general topics to begin brainstorming:

• A family dish, food, etc. (Note: This is not a mere recipe. It needs to be research about the dish.)
• A favorite family legend/myth/story/folklore
• A type of music (or a specific musician who represents your culture, your community, your chosen “vibe”)
• A family or cultural or personal tradition—or all of these combined
• A church, temple, or religious space
• A type of celebration (Fiesta San Antonio, anyone?)
• A sport or sport-adjacent celebration (Super Bowl parties? Tailgating?)
• An artist, director, actor/actress, writer, etc. (any creative artist representative of your cultural heritage or community)   
• A place (a specific neighborhood, community center, park, neighborhood hang-out spot, barber shop, neighborhood store, family restaurant, etc.)
• Other topic ideas: ____________________________________________________________

Essay Details:

• Length: 1100 -1400 words (about 4 - 5 typed pages)
• Use MLA documentation style - Include in-text citations and a Works Cited page
• Use a minimum of 3 sources and at least 1 interview. 1 source must come from the SAC library search tools.  
• Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced, proper headings, title, and pagination
• Grading – Refer to the grading rubric posted in Canvas to see how the final copy of the essay will be assessed.

SLOs:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of individual and collaborative writing processes.
2. Develop ideas with appropriate support and attribution.
3. Write in a style appropriate to audience and purpose.
4. Read, reflect, and respond critically to a variety of texts.
5. Use Edited American English in academic essays.

The Research Paper Project includes several parts. Each part will contribute to X amount of points toward the final grade, culminating in the final Research Paper Project grade. Each part will count two-fold: separately as a daily grade and as X points earned towards the final project grade. (See breakdown of points below.)

Refer to the grading rubric posted in Canvas to see how the Final Copy of the essay will be graded.

      We will work on several parts/steps of the Research Paper Project beginning Week 11, and we will spend the remainder of the semester on this project.

      The key to this last research project is planning ahead. Students should seriously begin thinking about ideas for their research project during Week 11. Assignment handouts with instructions for each step will be posted each week.

Check the syllabus for specific due dates. For now, make note of the following weeks for each part:

Date Due                                         Part: I – IV                                            Possible Points Earned 

(Upload to Assignment link)                                                                      (leading up to the final copy):

Week 12                                   I Research Proposal due……………………………………………………………..…15 pts.

Week 12                                   II Rough Outline of ideas due…………….…...………..…………..………………15  pts.

Week 13                                    III  First 4 Paragraphs of rough draft due………..…...………………….……..20 pts.

Week 15                                   IV   Final Copy of Research Essay due ……………..…………..….……...……. 50 pts.