THIS PAPER WILL BE DUE BY 10:00 pm April 18th * pacific time
(24 hours from now)
This is to be a 3 to 4 page paper (750 to 950 words). If you give me a short paper you will be marked off from anywhere from 20% to 90% of your overall grade. On the other hand, if you turn in too many pages (5+) you will also lose points. This will be a challenge for many of you. It may be difficult to write what you need to in so few pages, keep it pithy and to the point.
While this is not a English class and I do expect proper collegiate writing. Two hints: do not start your paper with a “Since the dawn of time” sentence. It is not a good way to start any paper. Also, set up and let me know what you are going to be writing about in the first paragraph. I don’t want to read a mystery research paper.
This assignment’s purpose is to be able to research a topic further than just googling. The sources you use need to be academic. What I mean by academic is that they should be peer-reviewed academic journals (see below). Further, your formating should be exactly what I am asking for.
First and foremost, you will be heavily graded on whether or not your sources are academic in nature. For each non-academic source I will deduct up to 30% off your grade. Since you need three sources, you stand to fail this assignment rather quickly if you don’t have the correct sources.
What are acceptable sources? All fields in science have peer reviewed publications, usually in the form of journals. This is how research and conclusions are presented. Peer reviewed means they have gone through a rigorous process and any conclusions presented have to include what methods were used as well as background and analysis. The supplemental reading I have provided in class has all been from such sources.
Here are a few examples in the Anthropology world
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
American Journal of Primatology
And this will give you possible links to all anthropology journals.
You are more than welcome to bring in publications from other disciplines.
Common misconceptions of acceptable sources: 1. it ends in a .edu this does not make it an academic source. I suggest you look at who wrote whatever you a reading and see if they have published. 2. the Smithsonian, National Geographic are also not allowed. Again, look at who wrote the article or whose research they are referencing.
In-text citation: This is a concept that eludes most people. If you are using an idea that is not common knowledge you need to provide a in-text citation (see style guide and assignment). When you are paraphrasing one of your sources, you need to cite. When you quote, you need to cite. When in doubt, cite. Not citing is called plagiarism. When in doubt, cite.
Frequently asked questions about sources:
Once I have my academic sources can I use other non-academic ones? – Yes, you may. But do not lean too much on them for the content of your paper or your grade will suffer.
Can I use our book, or lecture? – Yes, but same as above, do not make them your primary sources.
Citing and quoting: Your paper should be in your own words (remember to still cite). You are welcome to use quotes, but do NOT make your paper quote heavy. Your paper should not be a bunch of quotes tied together.
