Assignment 5: Research Paper

Your research paper should be between 1,200 and 1,500 words. In this assignment, you are expected to complete an annotated list of initial research resources in the MLA Works Cited format, a first draft, and a revised final draft, which includes a finalized list of Works Cited (without annotations.) All of these components must be submitted with the final draft of the essay in order for your assignment to be marked.

Instructions
Start Your Research

Use the Unit 6 course commentary to guide you in completing this assignment. Some topics you might wish to consider include:

6. The effects of colonization on Indigenous communities

Once you have decided on a topic, use the research and decision-making processes outlined in Unit 6 to refine your topic and begin gathering research for your paper. Begin thinking about how you will structure your paper, while you gather information. Again, use the Unit 6 commentary to guide you through the process.

Although it is not required that you get your topic pre-approved, you might wish to discuss your topic and your preliminary research with him or her.

Annotated List of Works Cited
Following the directions in Unit 6, Topic 4, create an annotated list of the research sources you plan to use for your research paper. Your initial list should contain 10 to 12 entries, and include a variety of sources such as books, credible internet sources, academic journal articles, and other forms of articles and/or media.

Create an Outline
Follow the instructions in Unit 6, Activity 6, to create a 1–2 page outline of your essay, to be submitted with your research paper.

Reminder:
Please feel free to contact your Faculty Member if you would like to ask for feedback on your annotated list of Works Cited and outline before finalizing your research paper direction. He or she may be able to offer comments on your selection of sources and annotations that can help you to refine your organizational plan for your paper.

First Draft
Read through all of the information in Unit 6, Topic 7: Writing the First Draft before beginning your essay. Use your outline and the Annotated List of Works Cited as you complete a first draft of your paper. Remember that your final draft should be between 1,200 and 1,500 words, and will include at least five credible sources that you have quoted or paraphrased. You will find that including the appropriate references in your first draft will likely save you time later. Be sure to save your work regularly.
Final Draft
Before revising your paper in final format, you might want to complete the recommended activity near the end of Unit 6, Topic 10: Creating a Reverse Outline. This exercise will help you to assess and further organize your writing.

Whether or not you complete the reverse outline exercise, be sure to read through the suggestions and commentary in Topics 10 and 11 to complete your revised final draft. Your final draft must include the following elements:

Header and Title
Body of the Paper
List of Works Cited (at least 5 sources)

When you have finished the final revision of your essay, submit it to your Open Learning Faculty Member for marking, along with the outline, first draft, and Annotated List of Works Cited.

Assignment 5: Research Paper Your research paper should be betwe...