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How do you choose a topic? One of the
papers you read earlier in the semester may give you an
idea for a term paper topic. Or perhaps you have always
been interested in a certain branch of mathematics or a
particular theorem. The term paper is an ideal method of
exploring and learning about it. You are also free to
choose a topic that you studied in another class.
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My personal feeling is that a term paper should be not
so much a report about what you know (or have learned),
but an explanation and exposition of what you
know. In writing it you should imagine that you are
writing a chapter in a textbook: Your job is to explain
your topic in a clear, lively, informative and
interesting way. Develop it with lots of your
own examples and explanations. You should
assume the reader (me) doesn't know anything about the
topic, and your paper should be written in a way that
informs and engages him.
Try this self-test: Once you have finished your term
paper, put it down for a day or so. Then go back to it
and imagine that you don't know anything about the
topic. Would your paper alone bring you to an
understanding of the topic? If not, you have more work
to do.
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It is expected that you will consult and assimilate
various sources before beginning your writing. Ideally
your paper should list roughly five (ballpark figure)
references that you have consulted. Please note that
although Wikipedia is a great tool for exploring ideas,
it is NOT a valid reference. You may use any reasonable
reference style.
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You learned how to write a research paper in UNIV 200.
Therefore I will not spend any class time discussing the
``hows'' of writing a paper. Please let me know if you
have any questions.
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TIMELINE
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Please submit a short one- or two-paragraph
proposal to me by Tuesday, March 12. This is just a rough
outline of what you plan to write your paper on. (It's OK
if you decide to change your topic later. Just give me a
new proposal.) I will return your proposal with comments. |
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The first draft of your paper is due on
April 18. This should be a nearly-complete
product. I will read the draft and offer comments and
suggestions for changes and additions. (If you did a
really good job, I may even may say that no changes are
necessary!) |
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Your completed paper is due on
April 30. Please submit your first draft along with your
completed paper so that I can compare the two. |
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