Final Papers – GEO 391 – Criteria and Suggestions

The final paper will be an original research paper that explores some aspect of geographic content (anything in the world) either drawn from one of your GEO courses or from another source. The best papers will take a topic and answer or attempt to answer a particular question regarding the topic, typically drawn from something that you may be familiar with or have a personal interest in. As a general guideline, each paper should contain at least ten (10) outside references. As you know I am very flexible regarding topics for final papers and I have watched most of your papers develop and become more focused through this term. The length should be at least ten (10) but not exceed fifteen (15) double spaced pages, excluding references and figures. My eyes like Times Roman or Garamond fonts no larger than 11 point (I used to say 10 but I’m getting old…) using 1” margins top and bottom, left and right. Figures should be appended at the end of the paper and numbered (for reference within the text) along with a complete list of references. The written paper is due Tuesday June 8, 2010 at 11.50am. If you are interested in submitting a draft for my comment before handing in the final paper, these should be in my hands by end of day, Tuesday June 1. You are also required to deliver a short (6-7 minute) presentation of your paper in class Thursday June 8 at 11.50am.

Just a few words about writing...

Please adapt Mayor Daley's (senior) dictum about voting to your writing: write early, and write often. Know that most progress comes in revising, not drafting, so write expecting to rewrite. Ask yourself:

  • "Can I read this aloud and not trip over words and sentences?"
  • "Does this explicitly say what I really want it to say?"
  • "Does the first page set out the issue and the way it is to be addressed?"
  • "Do the section headings follow in some clear order?"
  • "Do I have a conclusion that concludes?"

Then go back and rewrite and rewrite. Finally, when you think your work is completed get a strong cup of coffee, find a quiet corner, and go through your writing sentence by sentence asking yourself:

  • "What does this sentence say?"
  • "Does it say it clearly?"
  • "What does it add to the paragraph?"
  • "What does this paragraph add to the argument/ paper?"
  • "Is the structure of the paper clear?"
  • "Are all the references in the list of references?"
  • "Are all the references complete?"

Writing is a craft, and like all crafts requires practice and hard labor. Craft your writing; rework it; bend it to your will. If your writing is dull and boring, your reader will be bored. If it is sloppy, your ideas will be lost. Of course, no matter how good your writing, your ideas will have to be good, clear, and tight. Thinking, like writing, requires hard work and discipline.

Approximate Criteria/ Rubric for Paper Assessment

Grading of projects always involves a certain amount of subjective evaluation by the professor. This is the set of criteria and the weight which I will attempt to apply to each in grading the final project for GEO 241.

1- Structure/ Logic20%

This includes the construction of the paper into a coherent and articulate text that is convincing, strong, and without logical errors.

2- Creativity20%

This includes a general evaluation of the creative thought embodied within the paper. Some elements of creativity include originality, uniqueness, expressiveness, imagination, or newness. This is clearly a subjective category but it can be evaluated.

3- Analysis30%

The appropriate use and reporting of statistical analysis (if called for), the presentation of empirical or textual support for your argument(s), and the proper application of appropriate geographical techniques to the creation of a clear and original paper.

4- Clarity10%

This includes the entire paper text as a clearly written document, free of grammatical, contextual, and language errors.

5- Overall Assessment20%

This is a subjective mark that rates the complete and summative strength of the paper.

Late work will not be accepted without prior arrangements (see syllabus for policy on late work). I strictly support and adhere to university policies on academic integrity (http://academicintegrity.depaul.edu/). I also require you to send me a soft copy of your paper (MS Word document attached to an email to ) at the time you submit your paper copy.