ResearchAssignmentInstructions.docx

CCOU 304
Research Paper: Title Page, Thesis Statement, and Brief Outline Assignment Instructions
Overview
This assignment helps students begin work on their Research Paper: Final Paper Assignment, the final project for this course. In this assignment, the student will develop a title page, thesis statement, and a brief outline that will be used for their larger paper. The assignment helps students begin to think through their topic as well as what they plan to cover. It also assists students in becoming familiar with the current APA format, as feedback will be given specific to formatting that can be used for the Research Paper: Final Paper Assignment. Students must choose one of the topics listed below, or obtain approval from the instructor for a different topic.
Instructions
This assignment consists of three parts, a title page, a thesis statement, and a brief outline. It should be one document, one page for each part. The title page should align with current APA guidelines, including all of the necessary content and formatted properly per current APA and LU guidelines for undergraduate students. The thesis statement should be one sentence and properly convey the main points of the paper. Finally, the brief outline should give the first-level headings only as they are anticipated for the final paper.
Example Outline
1. Introduction with thesis
2. What depression looks like
3. Impact on women
4. Treatment options
5. Conclusion
Students are strongly encouraged to view the APA Format Quick Guide given above.

Research Paper Topic List
Anxiety
Depression
Domestic Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Spiritual Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Communication
Conflict Resolution
Female Sexuality
Single Parenting
Menopause
Empty Nest Syndrome
Eating Disorders
Same-Sex Attraction
Self-Harm
Suicide
Infertility
Alcoholism
Abortion Recovery
Homelessness
Family of Origin
Roles in the Church

*Note: Students may choose another topic. However, it must be approved by the instructor prior to the Research Paper: Title Page, Thesis Statement, and Brief Outline Assignment submission.

Research Paper Additional Guidelines
Utilizing information presented in the required texts, as well as theoretical and practical elements from academic and Christian sources, compile an original paper of 8–10 pages of “Body” (text excluding the Title Page and References pages), in current APA style, which summarizes your understanding of your selected topic.
A minimum of 10 current (published within the last 10 years), scholarly resources (books and journal articles) are required in addition to your textbooks (if utilized) and the Bible. You may use your texts, the Bible, and other relevant, older resources, they simply do not count towards your 10 current, “outside” resources. Keep in mind, 10 resources is not many for a paper comprising of 8–10 pages of “Body.” Typically, you want to see at least 3 citations per page. Also, though you may use textbooks from other courses, my hope is that you will challenge yourself and spend time researching in current articles available through our library. There you will find the most current, academic thought on any subject.
Grades will be assigned based on quality of content, how well current APA guidelines are adhered to, the richness of citations utilized, quality of expression, and biblical integration presented. Please see the grading rubric for additional information.
· Length of paper: 8–10 pages of “Body”—significant points off if the paper is below 8 pages or exceeds 10 pages of “Body”.
· Include at least 10 current references (within the last 10 years)—points deducted for each missing or out-of-date reference.
· Follows current APA format. Review the Research Paper: Final Paper Grading Rubric for guidance regarding grading factors.
· It would be expected that at least 2 levels of APA headings would be present in the final product.
· Paper will be graded on thoroughness, content, and use of theoretical material and integration of biblical perspective.
· Avoid Plagiarism—Using or passing off someone else’s work as your own is a serious academic offense. Papers are submitted through Turnitin to check for the proper treatment of sources. You may submit a draft version to the “Research Paper: Draft Final Paper Assignment” Turnitin link to check your score, then edit and revise, and submit it to the “Research Paper: Final Paper Assignment” Turnitin link. Your “Draft” will not be reviewed by your instructor. Plagiarizing your paper will result, at the very least, in failure of the assignment. Plagiarizing can also result in automatic failure of the course and academic discipline, including removal from the school. Please make sure that all work is your own or is cited appropriately.

The Research Paper: Final Paper Assignment will include each component of the previous submissions, except for the outline.

Page 3 of 3