NAME (print clearly, LAST NAME first)

TOPIC

J387 Research Paper Fall 2006

(Staple this form to your paper to make one packet. Put this form on top, then the research paper, and then all versions of your proposal and grade sheets.)

______Introduction (15 points)

• Research question: Is the research question clearly stated and explained? Why is this issue significant in the present? What enduring communication issue does it address?

• Background and context: Is there sufficient background on the issue and time period, drawn from the secondary sources? Do the secondary sources provide historical context? How have historians or other researchers analyzed this issue or event?

• Primary evidence: Are your choices of primary evidence appropriate and clearly described, with an explanation of why this evidence was chosen and how it was analyzed?

______Findings (15 points)

• Is the evidence in your primary sources fully described and explained? Does this evidence extend beyond the minimum requirements to explore your question more fully?

• Do specific examples and brief quotations provide support for your findings? Is your evidence properly cited?

• Have you fully explained why these findings are relevant to your question?

______Conclusion (15 points)

• How does your primary evidence suggest an answer to your question?

• What evidence might be missing? How do your findings and conclusion compare with those of your secondary sources? What do you think about that?

• How does your conclusion inform current issues in media and communication?

______Composition, format and overall quality (15 points)

• Is the proposal written in a manner expected of students who wish to become professional communicators, with close attention to grammar, spelling, composition, syntax and clarity of expression?

• Does the paper meet the requirements in terms of length, format, and correct MLA citation style in the text and on the Works Cited page?

• Is the paper interesting? Does it show exceptional research and analysis?

______Total (60 points)

Comments:

Late penalty: 5 points per day, including weekends, beginning at 12:01 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22