THE ASSIGNMENT
Adhere to all writing requirements in the syllabus.
The paper must be at least seven FULL pages of text, and no more than ten FULL pages. Endnotes, attachments, etc. do not count as pages of text.
All pages must be numbered.
Do not use a title page. On the top left corner of the first page, type your name, course title, my name and the topic.
The paper will be double-spaced, 12-point type,1-inch margins, stapled or binder-clipped in the upper left corner. (if you need binder clips, I have some)
Pay careful attention to spelling, grammar and punctuation. These will affect your grade.
Papers are due on the last week of regular class meetings, as announced.
All facts, quotes or ideas from others must be documented using Endnotes.
Each source in the paper must be photocopied or printed from the Internet, and attached to the term paper with a staple or binder clip. It should be noted on each copy the source it came from (e.g., author and book title, or author and website).
Clearly demonstrate how you are using these sources, and why these are the best ones.
Write the paper in the form of an argument. What you want to argue is up to you, but argue some interesting point that has emerged from your research.
WRITING ASSIGNMENTS — GRADING: Papers will be graded chiefly on logic, completeness, depth of analysis and technical precision. As this is a course in the Department of Communication, and as proficient writing is essential for those desiring careers in communication, the professor presumes students possess substantial competence in the technical aspects of writing, including interpretation, explication and logic. Students who find this to be an obstacle are encouraged to seek remedial assistance or drop the course.
EVALUATION METHOD OF WRITING: Grades will reflect your performance as a researcher, writer, editor and scholar. In evaluating the research, I will consider the number and propriety of your sources, and how those sources are used to advance your argument. Evaluating the writing, I will consider the quality of the beginning paragraphs, organization, use of quotes from the source material, clarity and effectiveness, among other factors. In evaluating editing, I will consider spelling, grammar, punctuation and accuracy. You start with an A. It’s up to you to lose it.
CITATION STYLE
The professor offers this brief guide to a common citation style. More complete information may be found in a recognized style guide, e.g. The Chicago Manual of Style, or Kate Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Term Papers, Theses and Dissertations.
The best papers are those that follow the assignment’s rules, make a clear argument, and support it with good evidence. Use your evidence to support your argument.
Don’t begin with a dull, lengthy introduction. Start with “In this paper, I argue that …” or “The point of this paper is …” and then get right to it. Immediately make your major points. Use the body of the paper to present your facts and evidence, then summarize it all in a couple of paragraphs at the end.
Write concisely and eliminate needless extra words and digressions. The topics are rich enough, and the page requirement short enough, that no “padding” with prosaic lard is needed. Using 30 words when 10 will do makes for annoying reading, and I will notice.
Seven full pages does not mean six full pages and a few words on page seven. It means seven FULL pages, minimum. If you cannot easily write seven full pages on your topic, it means you need to do more research or explore additional dimensions of your topic.
HOW THE PAPER WILL BE GRADED
The professor will consider whether students have:
1) used at least 5 valid, appropriate primary sources and at least 5 secondary sources other than course readings.
2) Submitted clearly marked photocopies of the source material.
3) Documented their evidence in a clear citation style.
4) Adhered to format specifications, e.g. length, staple, margins.
5) Clearly stated the theme and argument early in the paper, developed and supported it with evidence, and summarized the findings in a concluding section or final paragraph.
6) Demonstrated high standards in the technical proficiency of writing
my topic:
Luther Baldwin vs. The Alien and Sedition Acts
In perhaps the most humorous instance in which the Sedition Act was applied, Luther Baldwin and two of his drinking buddies were indicted for speaking “seditious words tending to defame the President and Government of the United States” after Baldwin was overheard in a tavern wishing, in not-so-tempered words, death upon President John Adams. Who was Luther Baldwin? What part of the Alien and Sedition Acts did Luther violate? What did Baldwin say that got him in trouble? What was his penalty? How did newspapers of the era react to his prosecution?
Notes from class:
Alien & Sedition Acts
Primarily Intended to restrain and control the opposition of the jefferson press
Two separate laws
Alien act was the first immigration law
Sedition act – cannot write, speak or print false malicious statements of criticism, government, president, and congress
Design to control the actions of opposition printers
Luther Balwin – From Newark, NJ; Captain of Garbage Scow (a boat that dumps garbage in the ocean)
Baldwin and a friend were in a tavern getting drunk, when a band started playing since the President is coming
Cannon shot off for president adams and luther baldwin
Luther Baldwin says loud enough for everyone to her i hope they shoot the cannon right up his ass
Baldwin and Fooco
Baldwin went to jail for 6 months for his drunken comments
