Final project (25%): Students will first write a proposal for a final project (15 of the 250 points will be for the proposal itself). The proposal will outline what kind of project the final project they have decided to carry out. Students are allowed to choose from one of the following options: 1) a research paper of an ethnic studies-related topic covered during the course. The research paper should be approximately 1,500 words; 2) a creative writing project on an ethnic studies-related theme covered during the course (i.e. a racial autobiography, graphic novel etc.). 3) another format project on an ethnic studies-related theme covered during the course. (i.e. documentary film, video collection of interviews, etc.). Projects without approved proposals run the risk of not being accepted. Proposals differing greatly from the originally approved projects will not be accepted without renewed approval. Students are expected to incorporate feedback received on their proposals in their final projects.
All projects, even those that fall under the creative options, are expected to submit a Works Cited/Bibliography with a minimum of 4-5 academic sources, including at least one of the readings from the class. Non-academic sources and sources outside of the course materials are welcome and encouraged in addition to the required 4-5 academic sources. Your bibliography should reflect the genealogy of thought and/or historical, social, or political context for your project. The citations can be provided in either APA, MLA, or Chicago-style formats.
Research papers must reference each of their sources in their papers using proper in-text citations. Even when not using a direct quote, information gleaned from sources must be properly cited. In-text citations with page numbers should be provided for direct quotations but parenthetical citations should also be included for any references to new information that you gained from sources that you did not know on your own, even if it is not a direct quotation. You should always be sure to give credit where it is due to wherever you gained your knowledge from! Please see me for more information if you are unfamiliar with proper citation practices.
Creative projects must submit an annotated bibliography. This means your bibliography should have a brief summary of each of the 4-5 required academic sources that were the backbone of your project. Again, even if your project is creative, it did not materialize from out of thin air. Your sources should show us that you understand the cultural, historical, social context from which your creative project arose, or the creative or social processes that creators go through to produce the types of work you made for your project.
Please attach your final project.
Rubric
Final project/paper (1)
| Criteria | Ratings | Pts |
|---|---|---|
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIntegration of Knowledge | 85 to >75.0 pts Advanced The paper demonstrates that the author fully understands and has applied concepts learned in the course. Concepts are integrated into the writer’s own insights. The writer provides concluding remarks that show analysis and synthesis of ideas. 75 to >60.0 ptsProficient The paper demonstrates that the author, for the most part, understands and has applied concepts learned in the course. Some of the conclusions, however, are not supported in the body of the paper. 60 to >40.0 ptsNeeds improvement The paper demonstrates that the author, to a certain extent, understands and has applied some concepts learned in the course. 40 to >0 ptsDoesn't meet minimum requirements Doesn't meet minimum requirements | 85 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTopic focus | 20 to >17.0 pts Advanced The topic is focused narrowly enough for the scope of this assignment. A thesis statement provides direction for the paper, either by statement of a position or hypothesis. 17 to >14.0 ptsProficient The topic is focused but lacks direction. The paper is about a specific topic but the writer has not established a position. 14 to >8.0 ptsNeeds improvement The topic is too broad or too narrow for the scope of this assignment. 8 to >0 ptsDoes not meet minimum requirement The topic was not approved, is not clearly defined, or is not relevant. | 20 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDepth of discussion | 75 to >65.0 pts Advanced In-depth discussion & elaboration in all sections of the paper. 65 to >55.0 ptsProficient In-depth discussion & elaboration in most sections of the paper. 55 to >35.0 ptsNeeds improvement The writer has omitted pertinent content or content runs-on. Quotations from others outweigh the writer’s own ideas. 35 to >0 ptsDoes not meet minimum requirements Cursory discussion in all the sections of the paper or brief discussion in only a few sections. | 75 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCohesiveness | 20 to >17.0 pts Advanced Ties together information from all sources. Paper flows from one issue to the next without the need for headings. Author's writing demonstrates an understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all sources. 17 to >14.0 ptsProficient For the most part, ties together information from all sources. Paper flows with only some disjointedness. Author's writing demonstrates an understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all sources. 14 to >8.0 ptsNeeds improvement Sometimes ties together information from all sources. Paper does not flow - disjointedness is apparent. Author's writing does not demonstrate an understanding of the relationship among material obtained from all sources. 8 to >0 ptsDoes not meet minimum requirements Does not tie together information. Paper does not flow and appears to be created from disparate issues. Headings are necessary to link concepts. Writing does not demonstrate understanding any relationships | 20 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSources | 20 to >17.0 pts Advanced At least 4-5 that are peer-review journal articles or scholarly books. One source from the course material is included. For a creative project, sources clearly show a genealogy of creative thought/content. 17 to >14.0 ptsProficient 3-4 current scholarly sources, of which at least 2 are peer-review journal articles or scholarly books and includes at least one source from the course material. OR includes at least 4-5 scholarly sources but does not include a source from course material. 14 to >8.0 ptsNeeds improvement Fewer than 3-4 current sources, and fewer than 2 are peer-reviewed journal articles or scholarly books. Does not include a source from the course material. 8 to >0 ptsDoes not meet minimum requirements Fewer than required minimum of scholarly sources and/or not all sources are credible, and/or sources are not current. | 20 pts |
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeCitations | 15 to >12.0 pts Advanced Cites all data obtained from other sources using APA, MLA, or Chicago citation style in both text and bibliography. 12 to >9.0 ptsProficient Cites most data obtained from other sources in, APA, MLA, or Chicago style citation style in both text and bibliography. 9 to >6.0 ptsNeeds improvement Cites some data obtained from other sources. Citation style is either inconsistent or incorrect. 6 to >0 ptsDoes not meet minimum requirement Does not cite sources. | 15 pts |
Total Points: 235