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Dr. Johnson Library Resources Course Guide: PO 260 - Project Paper

Assignment

Idea: 1-3 Sentences; Due on Friday September 10, 2021 by 12:00 PM

Prospectus: Due on Moodle by Friday September 17, 2021 by 12:00 PM

  • 1-2 Pages single spaced; well-written; full sentences; polished product
  • What are you planning to study for your final project?  Anything involving health politics and policy is fine.  Give the topic and at least a paragraph summary explaining the topic.
  • Why is your study relevant, important, or useful?
  • How will you conduct your study?  Will this involve a survey, research paper?  What will be your methodology?
  • Will you consult outside experts? Are there any questions for Dr. Sargent when he attends class? For any other experts involving pharmaceuticals, insurance, etc.  Potential for IRB application.
  • What type of written sources/publications will you consult (you do not need a bibliography yet)

Annotated Bibliography: Due Friday October 1, 2021 by 12:00 PM

  • List at least eight sources including books you will use for your paper and write a paragraph summary why each source will be useful.

Workshop 1: Friday October 1, 2021

Expectations in social science writing, using evidence and data, and components of a quality paper.

Paper Outline: One page, Due Friday October 22, 2021 at 12:00 PM

Workshop 2:  Friday October 22, 2021

Review student essays from previous years; strategies of using successful and unsuccessful essays. 

MANDATORY INDIVIDUAL MEETING WITH ME LAST TWO WEEKS OF OCTOBER

First Draft: Due Wednesday, November 16, 2021 at 12:00 PM.  Write a paper on an aspect of health politics and policy.  The paper is a thesis-driven research paper.  This is not a rough draft.  This is a polished and complete version. 8-15 pages.

Expectations:

  • You must cite and conform to expectations of academic integrity.  Do not plagiarize.
  • You may use any standard citation system such as Chicago Full Reference, Chicago Author-Date, APA, MLA, etc.  However stay consistent throughout and use whatever system you choose appropriately.  The library has resource guides for all the citation styles.  Above all you must cite.
  • Paper length: 8-15 pages (not counting title page or bibliography).  You may go longer.  Double-space, 12 point font, normal margins.  Put page numbers. 
  • Clear, grammatical writing, with proper punctuation, word choice, and style.  30% of the paper's grade will be for writing. 
  • A well-structured argument that supports your thesis, uses appropriate evidence and data, has a logical flow, is internally consistent, and accurate. 
  • Again, the first draft is not a partial draft.  It is a good, polished and complete version.  Your grade can improve from the rough to final draft or the final grade can be worse.

Workshop 3: Student Peer Feedback: Wednesday, November 17, 2021

This will be a structured assignment and students will be asked to read another student's paper and give feedback on several dimensions including:

  1. Does the paper include the expected elements
  2. Does the paper use quality sources of evidence to support its claims
  3. Is the paper thesis-driven
  4. Is the paper logical and understandable
  5. Is the paper well-written (including grammar, spelling, syntax)
  6. Suggestions you have for improvement

Final Draft: Due Friday December 10, 2021 at 12:00 PM

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