How to Write a Term Paper/TITLE> </HEAD> <BODY> <H2><CENTER>How to Write a Term Paper</CENTER></H2> <H3><a href="termpapers_research_question.pdf">Finding a research question<a/></H3> <p> A term paper needs not only a topic, but a research question. Deciding on the research question is often the hardest step in writing a paper, so click on the heading above for guidance, and if you are still stuck, send me an email and let me help you. For example, if you have a few ideas but aren't sure which to pursue, email me with all of them and I'll discuss with you which might be most suitable. If you have a general topic but not exactly a research question, email me with the topic and we'll work to refine it. If you're completely stuck, then browse through the readings and figure out which topics most interest you, and we'll go from there. You must get my approval for your topic before proceeding. </p> <H3><a href="bibliographies.pdf">Finding Sources<a/></H3> <p> A term paper should also have a thesis---a position or argument that answers the research question---and should support that thesis with evidence. You will develop your thesis as you do the research. Click on the heading above for guidance about finding sources, and for instructions about the required preliminary bibliography. You may collect your own data in addition to reviewing the literature. Please let me know before you begin if you want to do this, as there are both ethical and methodological issues we will need to discuss. </p> <H3><a href="paperinstructions06.pdf">Writing the Paper<a/></H3> <p> Now that you have done the research, you need to explain what you found out. Click on the heading above for guidance about how to do this, including advice about what to do if the literature doesn't present a clear picture (this is common), how to organize the paper, how to write clearly, and how to cite sources. </p> </BODY> </html>