Symposium Paper
1. Topics:
Review closely the PCAACA website, taking close note about the
Subject Areas.
More than one student may write on a panel topic as long as the papers
are unique. For example, more than one student may write papers on
“The Woman-Authored Woman Detective” as long as each paper covers
a different aspect of the topic. For example, one student may write about
Sue Grafton and another student may write about P. D. James.
2. Short statement of intent:
Once you have considered a prospective topic, please prepare a 1-2
sentence long statement of intent in which you declare what aspect of the
topic you plan to cover. Send this statement to me in an email prior to
the 8 March deadline for your paper proposal. For example, if you want
to write about “Images of the Child,” you might submit a statement like
this: “I plan to explore the broad topic of `Images of the Child in Genre
Fiction’ by writing about …”
3. 150-word abstract: Due by 8 March 2010. Please submit a paper copy with a
copy letter and submit it in class.
4. Final paper. I will evaluate your paper on content, originality,
organization, mechanics, documentation, and writing style.
Symposium Paper Components:
Cover sheet
Abstract
Body of Paper
End Notes
Bibliography
A. Content/organization:
(1). Appropriate topic.
(2). Clear purpose.
(3). Originality.
(4). Transitions.
(5). Closure.
B. Mechanics.
(1). Length: 8-12 pages, excluding abstract, end notes, and
bibliography. (See the class policies on page length; one page is the
equivalent of 250 words).
(2). Provide a cover sheet. (See the class policies for more
information.)
(3). Provide an abstract that follows, unnumbered, the cover sheet.
The abstract should be from 100-250 words.
(4). Double space your text.
(5). Do not number page one of the paper; number all other pages
consecutively.
(6). Do not right justify. Instead, use a ragged right-hand margin.
(7). Use sub heads when appropriate.
(8). Provide end notes instead of foot notes.
(9). Cite your style manual in your bibliography.
a. Is a style manual for print sources indicated and
correctly and completely cited?
b. Is a style manual for print sources indicated and correctly
and completely cited?
c. Has complete bibliographic information been given?
d. Has good bibliographic form been used consistently?
C. Writing style.
(1). clarity
(2). choice of words
(3). punctuation
(4). variety
(5). word usage
(6). grammar
(7). spelling
(8). spell out contraction
(9). avoid weak connectives like however
(10). Do not use a personal voice (I).
(11). Avoid passive voice.
(12). Avoid over generalizations.