What’s a term paper?
A term paper is a long, thesis-driven essay that
represents a student’s in-depth understanding
of a topic and acquired research skills over the
course of a term or course of study (FS 1&2).
Thesis statement
A short statement, usually one sentence, that
summarizes the main point or claim of an
essay, and is developed, supported, and
explained in the text by means of examples
and evidence.
WHAT DOES A THESIS STATEMENT
What a thesis statement does?
• Tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of
the subject matter under discussion.
• Tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper.
• A thesis is an interpretation of a topic, not the topic itself.
• Makes a claim that others might dispute.
• Is usually a single sentence near the beginning of your
paper (most often, at the end of the first paragraph) that
presents your attitude about the topic to the reader.
• The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and
organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the
logic of your interpretation.
A thesis statement is a complete
thought
NO:
How university life is for students
YES: The first year of university is a
difficult transition time for students
What a thesis statement
does NOT do
• It does not ask a question. Instead, it is the
answer to a question.
• It never says, “In my opinion,” “I believe,” or
“I think.”
• It’s never obvious.
A thesis statement is more than an
obvious observation or an opinion
NO: Armenia is not ready for democracy.
YES: Democracy in Armenia is in its infancy and
only through the education of its citizens will its
people learn to exercise their full rights and
learn the values of a democratic system.
What is the term paper assignment?
The 1,000-1,250-word term paper will develop
and prove a thesis through an organized
synthesis or argument, clarifying a topic that
was discussed in FS 1 or 2.
The paper must include at least 4 sources,
which include readings from FS, other courses,
and additional library research.
Key Elements in the Rubric for the
Term Paper
Requirements:
• Assigned steps in the writing process
• Development of a strong thesis
• Original thought and analysis
• Structure/Organization
• APA Style
So, how do I pick a topic?
1. Review the themes of FE1 & FE2
2. What themes could you explore further?
Can you synthesize ideas about them?
Organize them? Clarify them? Adopt a
point of view about them?
Broad Topics from FS 1 & 2
FS 1
Liberal Arts Education
Mission, Motivation, Excellence
Academic Integrity
Scholarship
Leadership
Service to Society
FS 2
Citizenship Education
Challenging the Status Quo/Dissent
Social Change
Social Responsibility
Sustainable Development
Narrow Topics from FS 1 & 2
Feminism
Motivation
Honesty
Leadership
Citizenship
Service to Society
Diversity
Human Rights (pick one)
Change (cultural change, climate change, social
change…)
Topics from Democracy & Diversity Document
Democracy
Diversity
Globalization
Sustainable Development
Empire, Imperialism, and Power
Prejudice, Discrimination, and Racism
Migration
Identity/Diversity
Multiple Perspectives
Patriotism and Cosmopolitanism
How do I write a term paper?
Develop a deep, meaningful, provable THESIS
Then,
Synthesize: Draw together diverse materials to show
patterns and relationships
Argue: Develop a thesis and prove it with reliable
support and credible evidence
Organize: Give logic and structure to diverse materials
Clarify: Make evidence and arguments clear to the
reader. Make difficult material clear
How do I know if I have a strong
thesis statement?
• Have I taken a position that others might
challenge or oppose?
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? Does my
thesis pass the “So what?” test?
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test?
• See UWC Handout ‘What, How, So What’ in
Resources.
• Does my thesis statement provide direction for
the whole essay?