CONTENT
This course requires a scholarly research paper. The paper summarizes your investigation of published periodical sources on a current issue or problem in Human Evolution, selected in consultation with your professor. Your treatment of the topic reflects anthropological and scientific perspectives as well as ideas and evidence discussed in this course.

The paper includes:

• an interesting, creative title [2 pts]
• an introduction that identifies the evolutionary theme of your research and ends with a clearly stated thesis [10 pts]
• a summary of the literature providing background and context for your study [20 pts]
• evidence from studies addressing the problem you have selected [10 pts]
  
• analysis that applies appropriate methods and theories and leads to an answer to your question [20 pts]
• conclusion that restates main points and reiterates your evaluation [10 pts]
• useful illustrations (fossils, tools, maps, etc.) appropriately captioned and cited [8 pts]
  
• AAA style "References Cited" page [10 pts]
• careful editorial grooming (spelling, vocabulary, grammar, transitions, AAA format citations) [10 pts]

Total 100 points

RESEARCH
Your paper uses and cites published sources (primary and secondary, monographs and journal articles; not web pages, dictionaries, and encyclopedias). Journal articles provide more than half of your material. Given time limitations of the quarter system, relying heavily on books is a perilous strategy. The number of sources needed varies depending upon the topic you choose. Discuss your research strategy and progress with your instructor.

The completed paper has a text of at least 8 and not (much) more than 10 double-spaced, typed, edited, numbered pages. Maps, illustrations, appendices, references cited, etc. are additional pages. All graphical material must be mentioned in the text by figure number and presented with a figure number, a caption composed by you, and complete citation of source (unless original).  Illustration sources are integrated with other data sources in the alphabetized References Cited.

To find material for this paper, consult the following indexes in the Hamersly library:

• Academic Search Premier
• Anthropological Literature
• Medline

If you have not previously worked with indexes to find scientific literature, ask a Hamersly librarian to help you get started. If you're not experienced in writing documented research papers, please consult the Writing Center and learn AAA style by reviewing this guide and studying this model. Give me opportunities to see your work from time to time so I can give you suggestions and assistance.

PROGRESS REPORT DEADLINES
Credit is earned for meeting these deadlines with the product described (progress reports 10%). The final paper is evaluated separately (research paper 20%). Failure to meet these intermediate deadlines may render your final paper ineligible for evaluation.  Please Note: All work prepared outside of class is to be typed.

• CONSULTATION. Before Monday, October 19th, stop by my office to discuss your topic. It would be wise to bring several articles (or complete citations for articles) you've found that you think will be useful. It is imperative that you determine there are sufficient journal articles available before committing to a particular topic. [1 pt]
• TOPIC. On Monday, October 19th, bring a typed description of your research topic, including a brief explanation of why it interests you and a list of the sources you've found so far (in AAA format), to class. [1 pt]
• PROPOSAL. On Wednesday, Novemberber 4th, bring to class a typed proposal for your paper, including a thesis statement, formal outline of your paper, and list of References Cited in American Anthropologist style including all the major sources you expect to use. [1 pt]
• ROUGH DRAFT AND REVIEW. At the beginning of class on Wednesday, November 18th submit TWO copies of your complete rough draft, including References Cited. Keep a backup copy of what you submit! Your manuscript will be reviewed by a fellow student and your instructor and returned to you on Monday, November 23rd. [1 pt rough draft, 1 pt review]
• PRESENTATION. In class November 30th or December 2nd make a 15 minute presentation of the highlights of your research. Prepare a speech, do not read from your manuscript!  You are welcome to use powerpoint if you do this well.  You must attend presentations by your peers to receive credit for your own. [2 pts]
• FINAL DRAFT. On Wednesday, December 2nd submit the revised final draft of your paper in class. [3 pts]
  

Total 10 points/ 10% of course grade

MECHANICS
Your ideas are important. The form and style in which you cast them are also important because they are your means of communication and your acknowledgment of debts to other scholars.

I assume that you have received formal training in writing a documented research paper and understand how to paraphrase material, how to quote the words of another author, and when to cite sources. Each discipline has its own set of conventions for preparing scholarly papers. Since you are going to be reading physical anthropology and/or archaeology for this paper, you should prepare your citations and list of references cited according to American Anthropologist style. Any recent article in American Anthropologist will serve as a good model for your paper. You are encouraged to explore the American Anthropologist style guide.  Note that anthropologists use in-text citation, followed by an alphabetically arranged list of sources called "References Cited." This is the simplest, most efficient method of citation. Use it. In-text citations always include the author's name and the publication year; specific information and direct quotes require the page number, in addition. ENCLOSE THE MATERIAL TAKEN FROM THE QUOTED SOURCE IN QUOTATION MARKS!  The citation goes outside the quotation marks.  I want you to use this style in your paper.

Finally, edit, spell check, and thoroughly proof-read your paper. Number the pages.  Use gender specific language accurately and judiciously; otherwise select gender neutral terms and constructions. Avoid terms that depersonalize, stereotype, or romanticize, etc. Did I say number the pages?

Put a title on your paper!  Your title should convey useful information about the contents of your study without implying that this is the definitive work on the subject.  Try to work in key words revealing species, time frame, geographic context, anatomy and/or behavior, theoretical stance, research's name, etc.

Do not hesitate to consult the friendly writing tutors at the Writing Center at every step of your writing process. They are there to help you. If one tutor doesn't seem helpful, try another.

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