Freedom of Religion and Evolution in Public Schools

Research Paper (Writing Format)

You must write one research paper about 5 pages in length (excluding bibliography or works cited section) on a topic of relevance to U.S. politics and government pending approval by your instructor. Please inform your instructor of your paper topic by Wednesday April 9, 2014. The research paper should be typed, double spaced, cite sources, and free of grammatical and spelling mistakes. It can be done in APA, MLA, or any other credible and consistent style. Guide books on APA and MLA styles are available at the library and/or the bookstore. Be sure to include a bibliography and use scholarly books, journals, and articles from databases such as JSTOR or Academic Search Premier. Do Not Cite Wikipedia. Do not cite the Ricar, 2007 Scenarios in American Government book in your research paper. Poorly written papers will be penalized. ( should have at least 5 sources) no diagrams or charts or graphs.

Research Papers Due on May 1st, 2014. All late papers will go down one letter grade for every day missed after the deadline. No Paper will be accepted after the last day of class on Wednesday May 14, 2014.

Research Paper and Other Assignment Grading:

a) Following Directions- assignments that conform to my specifications in terms of due date, page length, margins, font, citation, bibliography or works cited section, etc. will score better than those which do not.

b) Clarity of Argument and Expression – assignments that clearly express themselves with a clear statement of the argument or set of argument(s) will score better than assignments that are vague, confusing, or do not advance a specific argument(s).

c) Structure – assignments which are well structured with introductions (that include a statement of your argument(s)), main bodies which develop the argument(s), and conclusions that restate and summarize the main argument(s) will score better than assignments which are poorly organized.

d) Depth, Specificity, and Sophistication of Argument – assignments which demonstrate extensive thought will score better than assignments which appear to have been written in a rush. Assignments which make specific, original, innovative, complex, and/or insightful arguments will score much better than assignments which do not.

e) Tightness of Focus – assignments that closely focus on a specific question or set of questions or will score better than those which do not.

f) Conciseness and Brevity – avoid unnecessary repetition

g) Quality of Presentation – assignments that are proofread, spell-checked, and well written will score better than assignments which are not.