This is will be a term-long investigation of a topic of your choice, to be approved by the instructor. A few examples are: -women’s rights in Japan today -Japanese men’s relation to their company, and consequences -how the Japanese government and bureaucracy control individual behavor -the role of “mama-sans” and geisha in Japanese society -the role of the yakuza (Japanese mafia) in Japanese society -how Japan’s police affect social behavior -problems with the elderly -drugs and alcohol in Japanese society Since this, too, is a research paper, the same principles identified concerning the short research papers apply here. However, since this is a major paper, the scope and depth must be far more than those of the short research papers. Hence, a minimum of 10 full pages of text (size 12 font) are required. In addition, of course, will be the cover sheet, notes, and bibliography (not annotated). Again, due to the fact that this will probably be the first time you have investigated the topic, you will most likely have to give someone else credit for most sentences. So don’t be surprised at a total number of references of 75 or more. Also, since this is to be an in-depth analysis, a mimimum of 15 outside sources is required, with the same stipulations as mentioned in the short research paper section-- (no web sites, texts or class material, encyclopedias--either hard copies from the library or those found on the internet--or Time-Life or other series.) And since this is an analysis of a current topic, your sources must be relatively recent, i.e. no more than 15 years old. The citation and bibliographic form should be from Turabian. I will give you a hand-out but it is also available on the College Librare web site. Do not quote from your source material. Put the material you borrow into your own words so that the paper becomes your voice and not a collection of other peoples’ voices. (But don’t forget that even though you do not quote from another author, you still must give him or her credit for providing you with their ideas and the results of their research--remember, plagiarism is a felony and can be grounds for automatic failure for the course.) The procedure will be similar to what we do with the short research papers. There will be ample opportunity for you to receive feedback from your groupmates. In addition, these opportunities will serve as checkpoints to help you avoid the problems of last minute research and hurried writing. There are several stages. First is choosing the topic, and next is finding sources. Third is the preparation of your initial bibliography (annotated). Next the formal proposal - introduction, including a brief statement of intent (what you plan to analyze and why you think it’s important), a detailed outline (how you propose organizing the paper), and a second annotated bibliography, this one containing a minimum of 10 sources. (NOTE: the Writing Center, Craig-Lee 225, is an outstanding resource for this type of project. They are particularly good at helping the author organize thoughts to create an outline, or simply know the logical steps the paper should take.) Last is the writing of the final draft. The reason for these steps is so that you (and I) can check your progress, as well as help each other by reading and offering critiques. You’ll bring copies of your work to class to give to your groupmates and then you’ll discuss it with them and get as much feedback as you can.The sequence will look like this: Get topic approval Submit initial annotated bibliography (minimum 5 sources) Prepare formal proposal Critique formal proposal Submit formal proposal Submit final paper I will provide you with forms for the critique so you’ll know what to look for. The papers will be evaluated based upon your understanding of the material, the logic of your argument, how well you support that argument with rationale, and the quality of your writing--clarity, simplicity, and mechanics (spelling, punctuation, and grammar).
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