Instructions:
Related to the written paper:
The midterm is a multifaceted project that will be done individually and will focus on our course’s secondary text by Charles Hauss (2020), From Conflict Resolution to Peacebuilding. You will write a 6-8 page research paper. APA style is required. Make note that cover page and References do not count toward the page total. You do not need to submit an abstract.
First, each student will select a section from the text by the due date shown in Canvas, which is early in the semester. Selections will take place in our Canvas course on a “first-come/first-serve” basis, meaning once a chapter / section is chosen online via the directions shown, it is no longer available. [However, when signing up, you will notice that the number of students in the class will determine how sections are split.]
In any case, you are strongly encouraged to browse the text early on in the course, and to make your selection as early as possible. Once chosen, you should strive to become an “expert” on the subject matter by reading and studying the content of this section of the book, taking notes and pondering the ideas for further exploration and research that interest you, as well as connect to the subject of conflict resolution.
Next, as part of the process, you are to locate at least two (2) scholarly, academic articles in peer-reviewed journals or book chapters on the specific, focused topic from your chapter selection. Please ensure you understand this requirement as soon as possible by asking questions of your professor.
You are also required to cite the primary text by Hocker et al. (2022), Interpersonal Conflict (11th ed.), in your research paper.
In sum, at a minimum your References will consist of the Hauss text, two peer-reviewed articles, and the Hocker et al. book. Students are welcome to cite more than these, noting again, that any questions about this requirement should be asked of your professor sooner rather than later.
To assist with the organization of your research paper, the best place to start for focus is the Hauss book. Read and study your section carefully. What did you find most interesting and intriguing? What was confusing and/or complex? Use ideas from the chapter to help you come up with a thesis statement (a central idea) for your paper, which is a critical step in establishing a focus to your paper. Each chapter provides many avenues for exploration, so it is part of the assignment criteria for you to narrow what you will cover in your paper and share with the class.
That said, your paper should be properly structured, meaning it should have a clear Introduction, Body, and Conclusion. The introduction should have a succinct thesis. The body should have at least 2-3 clear main ideas with examples provided that are not from the text, but your own. The conclusion should be memorable and creative. [Make note that if you choose to use sub-headings in your paper, you are expected to make up for those lines with more of your words. In other words, your paper should then be longer. Sub-headings are not expected or required.]
Students are welcome to discuss / incorporate a Christian vantage point to the research paper in whatever manner desired, but it should be smoothly integrated, not abruptly "dropped" into the paper. Doing so is not a requirement but many subjects in a course on conflict will likely call for a Christian vantage point.
Please be sure to properly cite your sources in APA style, both in-page citations and on the References page. Rewording information you have gained from sources (paraphrasing) without properly citing them amounts to plagiarism. If you must err, do so on the side of too much citation. Quoting is allowable, but should be kept to a minimum and should always be surrounded by your voice, not merely "dropping" quotes. Block quotes should be avoided entirely as your paper's length is short. All sources must be connected clearly and substantively, as well as smoothly integrated with something discussed in your paper. Smooth integration means that the sources are not haphazardly thrown into the paper, but rather thoughtfully so, and clearly connected to the surrounding ideas.
Your research paper will be submitted twice. You will submit a hard copy (print one-sided) on the date of your oral presentation and submit the paper digitally in Canvas as an MS Word doc/docx or pdf.
Related to the oral presentation:
You will present your section of the Hauss text in class in a 5-6 minute extemporaneous speech. This means that is should be conversational but planned and prepared for maximum impact to the audience. A primary expectation is that you will practice to show energy, enthusiasm, passion, vocal variety, and dynamism when speaking with us.
You have plenty of time and I am allotting multiple days in class for everyone to share. You should cover the key ideas in your section and provide examples of your own, not simply repeating those given in the text. You should highlight what struck you, what you enjoyed the most, and what was most meaningful in connection to our course content. You are not sharing the entirety of content in your paper, but highlighting main areas. Note that reading to us in class will result in a loss of points.