Assignment: Using research from outside sources, as well as your knowledge of the theories we’ve covered this semester, write a medium-length research paper that addresses a problem or question within the subfield of religion and politics. Most of our scope in this class has been limited to the United States, but you should feel free to consider cases from other countries and contexts. Some examples of possible paper topics:
- Tax exemptions for evangelical churches (or a particular church)
- The treatment of Scientology by the German government
- Islamic fundamentalist groups in Saudi Arabia
- A recent Supreme Court decision (or decisions) concerning church and state
Your paper should have a strong thesis: it should adopt a strong point of view (or “take a stand”); be specific and limited in scope (it can’t too big to cover in a medium-sized research paper); and should be arguably true (it shouldn’t be patently obvious, like “religious believers are interested in church/state separation”).
Your paper should be 12-15 pages, double-spaced, and typed with 1” margins. You probably should state your thesis clearly in your first paragraph. Also, you should use the first paragraph to lay out the structure of the essay (“Below, I will do X, and then Y, and then Z”).
Research and Sources: Research papers require you to support your argument with outside sources; however, this is not an excuse to simply string together a series of quotes and pass it off as your own work. You must organize others’ ideas and arguments yourself, using your own words, while taking care to give credit to others. You should limit the number of direct quotes you use in your paper; in general, if you quote more than 35-40 lines, you’re probably relying too much on your sources’ writing (and you will be penalized). Please remember that all information derived from your sources must be cited, even when you restate others’ ideas in your own words.
All citations should be properly formatted. I prefer Chicago/Turabian citation style, but you may use whichever format you would like as long as you use it consistently. Internet research sources are suitable for this assignment, but be aware that many sites are sponsored by advocacy groups and their objectivity and accuracy cannot be assumed. Wikipedia can provide useful background information and links, but is often poorly sourced and should NOT be cited as an authority. Citations to the Internet should be sufficiently specific so as to allow a reader to arrive at the same web page where you found the information.
Annotated Bibliography: In order to help guide your research, you are required to submit an Annotated Bibliography early in the writing process. The bibliography involves two components: a fully formatted citation for the source (again, using whatever citation style you choose), followed by a short, 100-150-word description of the source’s argument and relevance to your paper topic. Your bibliography should list at least eight (8) credible sources, although you are welcome to include more. (This part of the assignment is only a formal version of what you should be doing anyway, namely finding sources and taking notes on their relevance to your project.) I will return the bibliographies to you with comments that hopefully will help you continue your research and prepare your paper draft. The bibliography will be graded separately from the paper, based on the quality of description, consistency of citation format, effort (less than 8 sources and you will be penalized), and credibility of sources. Examples and further information about annotated bibliographies are available here.
Deadlines: The annotated bibliographies are due by the beginning of class on Thursday, April 2, and will be returned immediately following Spring Break. Final papers are due by the beginning of class on Thursday, May 7. Late papers are subject to penalties as described below (see section on “Grading”). You also have the option of submitting a draft of the paper at any point during the semester. Assuming you leave me enough time before the paper is due, I will be able to return the draft to you with comments. (You are also welcome to come to Office Hours or make an appointment for us to discuss your draft in person.) If you do take advantage of this draft option, I ask that you submit the paper copy of the draft with my comments to me in class on May 7.
Both the Bibliography and the Final Draft must be uploaded on Turnitin.com, using the appropriate assignment link, by the beginning of class on the assigned deadlines.
Just to be clear, these again are the deadlines:
Thursday, April 2
Annotated Bibliography Due
(Comments returned after Spring Break)
Optional Draft can be turned in at any time
Thursday, May 7
Final Draft Due
(first draft also submitted if applicable)
Grading: I’ve included below my standard criteria for grading paper assignments. Your paper will be assigned a letter grade largely based on these criteria. Please note that if you submit your essay late, without a valid and documented excuse, I may deduct up to a full letter grade from your grade for the assignment.
Grading Criteria
A Expresses complex, independent thought with grace, clarity and force. Its purpose is clear from the start: it contains a thesis that is imaginatively, logically, and precisely developed. Not only is the paper organized, the organization does not seem mechanical or imposed. Any source material included is balanced and smoothly integrated into the essay. Each topical paragraph has a controlling idea, solid detail, and smooth transitions. The sentences are varied in length and structure. The writer chooses concrete, specific words and uses them correctly, employing diction that is distinctive and mature, with effective metaphors and analogies for clarity and emphasis. The essay contains no colloquialisms, clichés, or trite expressions. It is virtually free of grammatical and mechanical errors.
B Contains a clear thesis statement supported with good examples. The writer controls the essay’s development by arranging the examples supporting the thesis in an orderly and logical fashion. The essay is well-organized, but transitions are sometimes strained. Any source material included is smoothly integrated, and some independent conclusions are drawn. Each topical paragraph has a controlling idea and good supporting detail. The sentences are usually varied. The word choice is generally correct. The writer often goes beyond the automatic word choice to find one more precise and effective. The paper is generally correct mechanically, though there are some problems with complex grammar and punctuation traps.
C Contains a recognizable thesis and adequate development. Though the paper has some interesting parts, the interest is not uniformly maintained and the purpose is not always clear. There are very few errors in sentence structure by the sentences are not varied. The word choice is generally correct, but the range of words is limited, and in some cases the wording is abstract and imprecise. Source material included is relevant but not carefully integrated. This essay also has errors in syntax, spelling and punctuation. More importantly, it lacks an original, significant purpose or point of view.
D Meets only the minimum requirements of college writing. The writer approaches the topic in a conventional and predictable manner. The essay lacks imagination and insight. Though it still contains a thesis, it is poorly or mechanically developed. It also lacks adequate support of generalizations. Source materials are cited improperly, are not directly relevant, and/or overwhelm the essay. Some principle of organization is apparent but it is not successful followed. The diction is often imprecise and monotonous. The writer uses vague, ordinary words and relies on clichés and jargon. The essay contains sentence fragments, run-on sentences, and numerous basic errors in syntax, agreement, reference, spelling, and punctuation.
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