Research Writing EXD 330-110
You have six months to complete this contract
Module 1 Overview
Research – it’s not a word that most of us like. Add “Research Paper” and many people break out in a cold sweat. Never fear! This course will cover the steps for writing a research paper ONE at a time. In Module 1, we will start by finding one current controversial article. By Module 4, an entire research paper will come together. Let’s call it an “Argumentative Synthesis” so no one breaks out in hives!
Module 1 Objectives
Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:
· Demonstrate the ability to use The University of Alabama’s Scout search engine to find current, controversial sources.
· Determine if the sources found are reliable and credible.
· Identify the importance of highlighting and annotating possible sources.
· Understand the importance of asking questions about your sources to establish credibility
· Understand how to create an annotated bibliography.
· Understand how to summarize and evaluate an article.
Module 1 Readings
*Example of MLA formatting used for first page of all writing assignments found on page 59 and 465.
Read pages 357-375 & 375-389 – under Researching – green R
Read pages 71-75 – under Academic Writing – yellow A
Watch all video tutorials to learn how to use Scout and proper researching techniques.
Module 1 Assignment 1: Research using Scout
For this assignment, you will use the readings and videos to find your first current, controversial source. This assignment is worth 10 points.
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1. Review the videos and the tutorials on how to use the University of Alabama’s Scout search engine.
2. Choose a current, controversial topic.
3. Use Scout to locate one interesting article on your research topic. (The article should be in PDF format if possible and at least 2-5 pages in length. Also try to find articles published within the last six months if possible. You can stretch to a year if you must.)
4. Use the Email function in Scout to email the article to yourself. You should also e-mail the Works Cited entry. (Click on Cite at the top right of the screen. Choose MLA and the entry will come up.)
5. Use the Internet to locate information on the author of the article and the publication. It’s always good to know if the author or journal has a bias.
6. Submit the PDF of your article by clicking on the Module 1 Assignment 1 title above and using the Assignment Submission tool to attach your file.
Module 1 Assignment 2: Evaluating the source
For this assignment you will be using the article you selected in the first assignment and your text to answer questions. This assignment is worth 10 points.
Directions:
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1. Create a document in a word processing program (e.g. Microsoft Word). As a UA student, you can download Microsoft 365 free of charge at the UA OIT website. You will need your CWID.
2. Copy the ten questions from p. 382 “Evaluating all sources” and then paste them into the Word document.
3. Answer each question as it relates to the article you found in Assignment 1.
4. Save the document as m1a2_yourname.
5. Submit your completed document by clicking on the Module 1 Assignment 2 title above and using the Assignment Submission tool to attach your file.
Module 1 Assignment 3: Highlight and Annotate
Review pages 71 -75. For this assignment, you will need to highlight and annotate your article. Every time you highlight a word or section, stop and explain why. You can highlight and annotate in a pdf file or in a Word file. This assignment is worth 10 points.
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1. Save the document as m1a3_yourname.
2. Submit your completed document by clicking on the Module 1 Assignment 3 title above and using the Assignment Submission tool to attach your file.
Module 1 Assignment 4: Annotated Bibliography
Review pages 369-389. For this assignment, you will start an annotated bibliography. See example on p. 387. Make sure to include the entry, a summary and an evaluation. Center Annotated Bibliography at the top of the page. Make sure to use double spacing and 12 point font in Times New Roman. This assignment is worth 30 points.
Note: Your bibliographic entry will be done for you by UA Scout, but if you want to know why different parts are put in a particular order, you can look at pages 422-461 for a complete breakdown of all kinds of entries. A bibliography is a list of ALL sources consulted; a Works Cited is a list of only the sources used in a particular paper. Since we are using all five sources, the same sources will be listed for both of these assignments.
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1. Save the document as m1a4_yourname.
2. Submit your completed document by clicking on the Module 1 Assignment 4 title above and using the Assignment Su
