The final paper

In presenting the question for Essay2, I remarked about the peculiarities of the fall term calendar that circumscribe the pedagogical options.  More so when the course is online.

So, as we head into Week 8, you are probably wondering what we are going to be doing now.  Well, mystery solved :-)

The final paper will be in the context of the reading materials that I have listed for the next three weeks. 

But, there are a few steps that I want you to systematically follow in order to put together that 2,500-word essay.

Step 1:

• Read the materials that I have listed for the next three weeks.  Jot down what comes across as important ideas in each of those.
  
• Re-read the materials that I have listed for the next three weeks.  When you do, I bet you will find a few ideas that you missed the first time around.
• By now, you have in your notes a whole bunch of interesting notes that you want to discuss.  Which is where Step 2 comes in. 
• Note: DO NOT skip out on any of the readings--these are all related.  By skipping some, you might unnecessarily put yourself at a disadvantage when it comes to the final paper.
  

Step 2:

• As you reflect on the materials you have read, and the notes you made, identify the theme that you want to explore in detail through a final paper
• Write out that thesis statement in about 75 to 125 words.
  
• Locate at least four authoritative references that will be of help to you in arguing your thesis
• These ought to be references not listed in the course syllabus
  
• Before noon on November 24th, email the instructor the following as a word-proccessed document:
• The proposed title for the paper
• The thesis statement
• The list of references

Step 3:

• Enjoy Thanksgiving
• Be thankful that Sriram will not bug you for too long after!
• Discuss your thesis statement (the paper idea) with family and friends after the meal.  
• I am not kidding here
• The topic will be of interest to them, and you might gain clarity through such conversations.
• Before noon on November 29th, email the instructor an outline of your paper as a word-processed document

Step 4:

• Pay attention to the instructor's feedback
  
• Develop the first draft of the paper by December 2nd
• Set that aside for a day and work on the papers and exams for your other classes
• Now, edit/re-write the final paper
• Email the final paper to the instructor some time after noon on December 4th and before 8:00 am on December 7th

Step 5:

• Enjoy the winter break, and come back re-energized for the winter term.

As simple as this :-)