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Humanities Research (RES 3100H)
The Indiana Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Humanities
Fall 2017, Tuesday 10:00-11:50 am
Dr. Sean A. ScottEmail:
Office: Wagoner 149 Office hours: MWF 1:00-2:50, or T/R by appointment
Course Description and Objectives: This course teaches research principles for the humanities. Students will learn how to select a manageable topic, locate relevant secondary sources, find and interpret primary sources, fashion their research into an original paper or narrative (6-8 pages), and give an oral presentation in class (8-10 minutes).
Course Format: Each week in class we will discuss different aspects of the research process or conduct research in various types of primary sources. Students will write brief 250-300 word synopses of their research for each type of primary source. Occasionally I will put readings on Blackboard that we will discuss in class.
Attendance Policy and Classroom Etiquette: Attendance is required. Bring your laptops so we can utilize online research tools. However, if you are found using Facebook or surfing the web inappropriately, I will enter this into Powerschool and it will go on your record as an unexcused absence.
Academic Integrity: Academic integrity is foundational to achievement at the Academy and throughout your college life. Taking someone else’s research and conclusions and presenting the material as your own without proper documentation is plagiarism. Cheating and all forms of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated. Please understand that severe penalties will arise for violating academic integrity and review the relevant policies outlined in the Academy Handbook.
Disability: Students with documented disabilities should notify me by the second class meeting, and I will make reasonable accommodation for you.
Excused Absences: Please notify me personally as soon as possible in the event of a serious illness or family tragedy, and I will give a reasonable extension for completing an assignment.
Student Success: I want you to succeed in this course. Please see me during office hours to discuss any concerns or questions you have about the course or assignments. I am always happy to talk about your research project. If I become concerned about your performance in this course or overall well-being, I will speak with you first and then may refer you to the appropriate counselor within the Academy.
BSU Statement on Diversity: “Ball State University aspires to be a university that attracts and retains a diverse faculty, staff, and student body. We are committed to ensuring that all members of the community are welcome, through valuing the various experiences and worldviews represented at Ball State and among those we serve. We promote a culture of respect and civil discourse as expressed in our Beneficence Pledge and through university resources found at http://cms.bsu.edu/campuslife/multiculturalcenter.”
Meeting Schedule (Classes will meet in Burris unless noted otherwise)
Aug. 15 Course introduction/Picking a topic
22Conducting secondary research using Worldcat and online databases
29Bracken Library Research—obtaining material from books and articles
Sept. 5Labor Day—no class
12Conducting primary research in online databases
19Bracken Library—using microfilm and microfiche (newspapers, Sabin’s)
26Bracken Library Archives—using manuscript collections
Oct. 3 Bracken Library Archives—using manuscript collections
10Fall Break—no class
12Oral history sources (class meets because of T/R switch)
17Bracken Library GIS/Map Collections
24Digital humanities presentation
31Tips for writing/documentation
Nov. 7Movies as sources
14No class—Individual meetings to discuss rough drafts
21Thanksgiving Break—no class
28No class—Individual meetings to discuss revised drafts
Dec. 5Final presentations
12Final presentations
Assignments: Date due
Bibliography of secondary sources 25 pts.Aug. 29
Paragraph writing exercise 25 ptsSept. 6
Online primary source summary 25 pts.Sept. 19
Newspaper primary source summary 25 pts.Sept. 26
Manuscript source summary 25 pts.Oct. 5
Oral history summary 25 pts.Oct. 17
Summary of topic and sources 25 pts.Oct. 31
Working thesis 25 pts.Nov. 7
Rough draft 50 pts.Nov. 14
Oral presentation 50 pts.Dec. 5 & 12
Final paper100 pts.Dec. 5 & 12
Grading: Grades will be figured according to the plus-minus scale copied below:
94-100% = A “A” grades reflect the “wow” factor. This shows exceptional, extra-
90-93% = A-ordinary effort and rewards work of the highest excellence.
88-89% = B+
83-87% = B“B” grades reflect the “very good” factor. This shows effort exceeding
80-82% = B-average and work that is high quality, but short of excellence.
78-79% = C+
73-77% = C“C” grades reflect average work and satisfactory results.
70-72% = C-
0-69% = D*
Late submissions will be deducted two letter grades. No work will be given credit if handed in 48 hours after the due date.
Grading Rubric: (for rough draft and final paper)
10% Thesis or Purpose Statement
*clearly and succinctly stated
50% Research
*quality of sources
*thoroughness in utilizing available sources
*skill in incorporating sources and clearly explaining material so that it is understandable to a non-specialist
10% Analysis and Conclusion
*clearly explain findings and relevance of your research (answer the “so what” or “why should we care” question)
10% Clarity and Style
*paper should be well-written (use clear sentences, generally written in active rather than passive voice)
*avoid technical jargon (explain obscure terms or difficult concepts
*avoid stringing together numerous quotes from your sources; instead, summarize and only directly quote statements that cannot be paraphrased better than the original source
10% Grammar
*avoid misspellings, punctuation mistakes, and grammatical errors
10% Documentation
*consistently and accurately use an accepted method of citation (endnotes or footnotes)
Grading Rubric: (for oral presentation)
30% Clarity of ideas presented
*convey thesis, research, and conclusion in a manner understandable to non-experts
20% Delivery of presentation
*enunciate, project your voice, appear poised and polished in personal appearance—project professionalism, as if your admittance into the college of your dreams depended on how well you carried yourself and explained your topic
10% Time management
*cover your topic in the 8-10 minute framework; practice enough so you don’t fall short; don’t ramble or get off track to avoid going overtime
40% Quality of visual aid
*clearly convey your research in a professional manner