CSC 300, Turner:    Paper Writing Rules (Your paper will be graded using this very list.) *Note that if you propose to do an experiment or survey and it is formally approved by me, your paper may take a very different form from the following. 

 

FACTS: (20%) Concise, simple, clear, naturally raise the issue,  cite respectable sources for every fact.  Just a page or two.

 

ISSUE STATEMENT: (10%) Very concise and simple, one line is best, narrowly defined [single] issue that you will resolve in your analysis.  Best in form of a one line question that you actually answer in your analysis.  Avoid side issues (you may footnote them if they're way cool.)

 

ALTERNATIVE ARGUMENTS: (20%) Cover other thinkers� thoughts about your issue in a neutral manner.  Take no sides, just give the alternative views and the logical reasoning as though it is completely true.   Cite sources for these arguments.  Cover the field.  Make none of your own argument [yet].  Use descriptive subheadings to distinguish the arguments.

 

YOUR ANALYSIS: (50%) This is where you may make informed and logically reasoned judgments about the validity of others arguments, make new arguments of your own and justify them with logic and ethical principles. .  You must convince me, even if I actually disagree with you, that your analysis and conclusion have a respectable amount of logical weight utilizing the IEEE/ACM Software Engineering Code and other general ethical principles.  You may propose solutions or give the most ethical course of action required by your issue and the arguments, but do this after you have done a thorough job of simply answering your question, addressing your issue.  Continue to cite sources for all facts and arguments used in your analysis.  Make sure your analysis is only about your issue statement, all else is extraneous (again, if neat stuff appears, footnote it if you like.)

 

BASIC TIPS and notes on the requirements for the termpaper.  Use this as a checklist, be sure to cover it completely before turning in your drafts or final paper.

• Do a spell check.  You can fail this paper simply by a lot of bad spelling.
• Check the grammar and clarity of writing.  A poorly written paper will result in a failing grade.
• Use a clean, simple format to help the reader follow your writing.  Table of Contents, descriptive headings and subheadings will help detail a high level outline of your points. 
• Number pages. 
• The paper must total more than 20 pages of real text, double spaced, small margins and normal fonts (12 max).  Graphs, tables, charts and pictures should only be included based on true value added, they must not be redundant with text.  Footnotes to other interesting topics and sources do not count as text.   Less than 20 pages are acceptable only in exceptional cases with prior notice and approval.
• Begin to number pages where real text begins (not title page!)  Title page, abstract, table of contents, bibliography and appendices do not count towards the 20 pages.
• Cite all facts and claims you make.  The quality and accuracy of the citation is at issue and if done poorly may result in a failing grade, original sources are best. 
• It is poor form to rely on a single citation for several paragraphs.  Different citations to varied respectable sources are preferable.
• Use of secondary sources such as Wikipedia for some fact that has an original source is very weak and unacceptable for the termpaper.
• Use proper quotation and citation formats.  Quotations should be short, single spaced, indented and cited.  Citations should be in a professional format.
• Your analysis must be rational and logical, opinion is irrelevant.   The Software Engineering Code of Ethics must be considered in your Analysis (not in your Arguments) as well as other systems of Ethics. If your analysis does not have multiple references to the SE Code and other principles, you are in trouble.   Recall that basic rational argument is made by stating facts, noting the issue and applying a general principle to come to a conclusion about a generalized set of facts.
• This paper is not a report.  You must criticize, synthesize or create an analytic argument that addresses the issue you stated.  (Check that your analysis gives a resolution to your stated issue!) 
• Other forms of paper may be considered by special permission (survey or hypothesis test, for instance.)
• NOTE that I use special marking symbols to grade proposals, drafts and papers.  You may find these symbols and brief explanations at this link- Turner Grading Symbols