Students in all of my courses have the opportunity to write an Optional Research Essay of about 15 pages due no later than 12.00 Noon, Friday, Week XIV. As an extra-credit option, no one is penalized in any way for electing not to write the Optional Essay. If a student elects to write such a paper (after addressing the following considerations) a successful essay can add as much as one full letter grade to the final course mark. But not so fast.
Why an Optional Research Essay?
The purpose of this option is to allow interested students to pursue a course topic in greater detail or to identify an area not addressed in the course. The chief concern in deciding to write the Optional Essay focuses on the time available for you to do justice to the topic. Consider this issue carefully. The Optional Essay should represent a solid and rewarding effort. If it is not done properly it will not help your course grade and the loss of time could affect your regular course work. Your time might be better spent with the Required Readings. In most of my courses Required Reading increases in quantity, subtlety, and significance as the course moves toward the Last Take-Home Essay.
In all cases, the topic for the Optional Term Essay must be approved by your Instructor. It is the student’s responsibility to understand and meet the requirements of topic selection, approval, and submission. In brief, it goes like this. The topic must deal with some aspect of science (or relations of science) within the time frame of the course. Topic selection is crucial. A central component of such an exercise is determining what topic interests you, searching out the possibilities, and finally narrowing the interest to a manageable topic. Most student try to do too much. Avoid excessively broad themes: sift, winnow, focus.
As you explore possible topics, first determine the scope of bibliographic sources and other available reference materials (See Teaching Resources; Bibliography; Search; infra). Gradually, such examination will help you to define the topic more narrowly. You should have focused your search for a topic no later than the deadline set for the Preliminary Statement (Friday Noon Week 8). A typed two-paragraph statement describing your topic and explaining your interest is sufficient.
The next task is to submit an Abstract. The Abstract should contain your Thesis, a detailed description, and an annotated working bibliography of reading that you have completed. If any tentative conclusions or enduring problems have emerged, please state them. The Abstract should be two or three paragraphs. Remember, the Abstract should be the frontispiece of your final research essay stating the topic, thesis, a brief sketch of the evidence, and tentative conclusions. The Abstract is due Friday Noon Week 10.
The final Optional Research Essay is due Friday Noon Week 14. The Essay must be typed. Your Abstract should serve as the cover sheet (which may vary from the original), followed by the Essay, Andantes (numbered consecutively), and the Bibliography. Follow the Chicago Manual of Style for footnotes and bibliography.
Essay length is 10-15 pages, depending on your topic, how well you understand the material, and how clearly you communicate. If you have questions or want reactions to your paper, please see your Instructor. It is fair game to read your drafts. But start early. Get help focusing your topic and obtaining reliable sources. Your Instructor might be able to help you out. Finally, read all of the information on Reading & Writing at this WebSite. Make certain the Essay is mechanically correct (e.g., number all pages consecutively, staple the paper in the top left corner, no binders or folders, etc.) and don’t forget mantra: Thesis; Objectives; Structure; Clear Argument; Specific and Appropriate Evidence. Finally, don’t forget that your essay should be a model of analytic power, synthetic genius, and literary grace. If you encounter problems along this route, please ask! Writing is important.