DRAFT
REQUIRED COMPONENTS OF THE RESEARCH PAPER (105pts)
*Accompanying guidelines/additional research material is available on Blackboard.
1. Research Question (5pts)
Due: February 9th
Overview: The research you do in this class will be aimed at helping you answer this
question.
Requirements:
 Write your research topic.
 Write your research question (in question form!)
 Explain briefly (1-2 paragraphs) why are you interested in this topic.
2. Annotated Bibliography (10pts)
Due: March 4th
Overview: This is a bibliography and brief description of sources that you believe
will be useful to help you answer you research question.
Requirements:
 Make a list of 5 sources that you think will be useful for you
 Use correct bibliographic citations
 Under each citation, provide a 1-2 paragraph description and
summary of the source.
o You do not need to have read all sources in their entirety, but
you should have a good understanding of what each is about
and how it will be helpful. Do not cite sources that you do not
understand, are unrelated to your topic, or that you are
guessing will be useful but have not actually investigated.
 Of the 6 sources, at least one must be a book, and no more than two
can be websites.
3. Outline (10pts)
Due: March 23rd
Overview: An outline is an important way to think through the organization of
your paper. The overview lays out the key sections of your paper and the topics
and ideas that will be covered in each section.
Requirements:
 Must be at least two pages long (double-spaced)
 Use a consistent organizational structure to show the main sections of
your paper and describing what you plan to cover in each section
(may be in paragraph form or bullet points). It is ok to write informal
notes about your plans to yourself/or the instructors. See the
examples on the attached handout!
 Provide at least one quote or paraphrased citation for each section to
demonstrate your familiarity with the research and ability to
integrate it into your paper.
DRAFT
4. Mandatory meeting with Sara Parker or Pedro Reynoso (10pts)
Due: Must occur between March 8th and April 16th
Overview: You will sign up for a time to meet with either instructor for 15 minutes to
discuss progress on your research paper and to give you an opportunity to ask
questions and get individualized help with your research.
Requirements:
 Show up! If you miss your scheduled meeting, you will not be able to
get full credit on this assignment.
 Bring all of your research material with you.
5. First Draft (20pts)
Due: April 20th
Overview: The rough draft is extraordinarily important. It ensures that your final
paper will be satisfactory and gives you valuable feedback so that you can turn in
your best work when the final paper is due.
Requirements:
 Must be 7+ pages double-spaced.
 There should be minimal grammatical errors. If there are more than 5
serious spelling/grammatical errors per page, you may be asked to
resubmit the draft.
o Although a “rough draft”, treat this assignment as though it is a
final draft.
 Must include a minimum of 5 unique references (these do not need to
be the same as those you used in your annotated bibliography).
 Of the 5 sources, at least one must be a book, and no more than one
can be websites.
6. Peer Review Day (10pts)
Date: May 4th
Overview: On this day, students will be grouped with classmates working on similar
topics in order to help each other prepare to turn in the final draft.
Requirements:
 Bring 2 copies of your most current draft to class. You will get partial
credit if you do not bring your papers but you still attend the peer
review.
7. Final Draft (40pts)
Due: May 18th
Overview: This is the culmination of the work you have done this semester. You are
the expert in the class on your topic. Turn in something that you are proud of!
Requirements:
 Must be 8-10 pages long (double-spaced)
 There should be no spelling or grammatical errors
 Must include a minimum of 6 unique references
DRAFT

Of the 6 sources, at least one must be a book, and no more than two
can be websites.
OPTIONAL PARTICIPATION IN THE RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
The class will be learning about what a symposium is, how it works, expectations for
participants, etc.
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Everyone who has completed all requirements for the research paper is eligible
to submit their paper for consideration to the research symposium and will
receive 5pts of extra credit for submitting it.
Students will be selected; all participates will receive cash prizes ranging from
$25-75.
All students who attend the symposium will receive 5pts of extra credit.
Light breakfast and lunch will be served to all who attend.
This is an excellent opportunity to participate in an academic conference that will
help prepare you for future research assignments at Chabot and four year
educational institutions. It is also a great resume booster!
1. Application to the research symposium
Due: April 20th (same day as the rough draft)
Requirements:
 There will be a 1-page application for those who would like to
participate.
 Only apply if you are able to attend both the presentation
preparation and the symposium.
2. Mandatory symposium presentation preparation
Date: Friday, May 7th, time TBA
Note: if you can’t make this date, we will make alternative arrangements.
3. Undergraduate research symposium
Date: Friday, May 14th, 9:30am-1:30pm
Preliminary symposium schedule:
9:30-10:00
10:00-10:10
10:15-10:55
11:00-11:40
11:45-12:30
12:30-1:15
1:15-1:30
Coffee/Pastries
Welcome and introductions
Panel 1: Title TBA
Panel 2: Title TBA
Lunch (audience and presenters welcome)
Panel 3: Title TBA
Prizes Announced
DRAFT