100W Term
Paper
This feature, profile
or trend story is your major outside writing project for this
class; you must successfully complete this assignment to pass
the class. This project includes three deliverables: a pitch
letter or proposal; a research memo or folder; and the final
product, your term paper (a.k.a. feature, profile or trend
story).
a.
Pitch Letter/Proposal (200 words): Write a one-page letter "pitching"
your idea for a term paper. Use an attention-getting lead,
highlight one or two key points about this topic and briefly
explain why it will make an interesting and worthwhile paper.
Also attach a time line for this project, showing your proposed
schedule for completing your interviews, library research,
rough draft, etc.
b.
Term Paper Research Memo (250 words): This memo
will update your instructor on your progress on this project.
Open with a brief summary of your progress to date and any
significant tasks remaining. List the names and phone numbers
of the people you have interviewed, as well as those you plan
to interview. Also include a bibliography-style listing of
all periodicals, scholarly journal articles and web sites
you plan to use as sources.
c.
Term Paper (1,000 - 1,200 words, which can include a
sidebar): This feature, trend story or profile should be of
professional caliber and appropriate for publication. Any
mistakes in grammar or spelling will significantly lower your
grade, so edit it carefully. You must include a minimum of
three primary interviews. You'll need to cite two scholarly
journals and three periodicals or newspapers. Include a bibliography
(list of works cited) in MLA or APA style.
Here are some considerations
for selecting a topic for a research paper: