Your final research paper is intended to help you advance an original argument related to a topic of your interest through the lens of a theoretical framework discussed in class.

Your final research paper is intended to help you advance an original argument related to a topic of your interest through the lens of a theoretical framework discussed in class. It may draw upon and extend the same subject as your analytical essay or focus on a different issue.  By carefully selecting an appropriate theoretical lens, you should be able to pursue an original argument in relation to your topic. The topic is subject to the instructor’s approval. A proposal and annotated bibliography must be submitted in advance for suggestions/comments (see instructions for developing proposal and annotated bibliography above).

Format for Final Research Paper: Final research papers should be of 15-20 double-spaced pages, excluding title page, bibliography, and notes.The paper must have one-inch margins, use Times New Roman size 12 font, be double-spaced, include a title page, page numbers, and a bibliography using MLA or APA format.

Evaluation Criteria: Final papers will be evaluated on the basis of an original, well formulated argument pursued through rigorous theoretical analysis, cohesion of ideas; use of scholarly resources; and composition and clarity of expression.