Seminar Paper

Content Requirements

Seminar papers must address some specific aspect of Nevada’s reputation relative to the place’s reality (This can be historical, contemporary, or both. Topics can examine anything within the state such as specific places, events, issues, practices, environmental characteristics, news coverage, Nevada in film, etc. etc.). Papers should address how the topic’s image/reputation relates to or reflects the reality of the state, has been constructed, disseminated, and perpetuated over time, and the degree of influence of that reputation has on the area and/or its people. You might also discuss how this reputation can or should be addressed going forward for the greatest benefit of the state and its people. Your choice of topics is open, as long as it meets the above requirements. However, keep in mind that this is a brief paper and you will need to provide thorough coverage of your topic. So, keep it narrow!

Your paper must include a thesis statement that takes a specific position on the topic. This thesis statement should appear in the paper’s introductory paragraph and should be placed in bold font. Ample evidence from sources in support of your thesis should be provided in the paper’s body. The concluding paragraph should sum up your argument and its most significant support.

As this is a seminar, you will be expected to discuss your research and progress on your paper with your classmates at various time. Each content module will include a graded discussion. Occasionally, you will be asked to discuss your progress on the seminar paper as part of a graded discussion.

Research Requirements

Papers must be based on a minimum of relevant assigned readings for the course and four additional scholarly academic sources (peer-reviewed books and/or academic peer-reviewed scholarly articles). Keep in mind that this is a minimum requirement. Papers that receive above average grades will exceed minimum requirements. Your research on your topic should be exhaustive. You may use popular sources (newspaper and magazine articles, television and film productions, websites, etc.) as well, but these will not count toward the minimum four peer-reviewed scholarly articles or books source requirement. Also, if a source is listed in the Works Cited, but is not cited in the text with a parenthetical citation, it will not be counted toward the minimum source requirement.

Structure, Style, and Formatting Requirements

I recommend consulting a grammar and style guide or text when writing your paper. A quality (and widely available and relatively cheap) guide is William Strunk, Jr. and E.B. White’s The Elements of Style. All seminar papers must meet the following structure, style, and formatting requirements:

• 8 to 10 pages in length excluding Works Cited pages (page lengths outside of this range will result in a deduction of points
• 12 pt. Times New Roman Font.
• Double Line Spacing.
• Standard margins (1” to 1 ¼”).
• Numbered pages.
• List your name and class information at the upper left margin of the paper’s first page.
• Your paper must include a title that is indicative of the paper’s content
• No separate title page. Simply list your title at the top of the first page of text following you name and class information.
• Must include parenthetical in-text citations and Works Cited page in MLA style.
• All information from sources must be cited in the text and on a Works Cited page (not just direct quotes).
• Works Cited page must be labeled as Works Cited and does not count toward page count requirement.
• Must include an introductory paragraph that includes a thesis statement. This thesis statement should be in bold font.
• Thesis statement must take a specific position that is supported by evidence.
• Must include well-developed body paragraphs.
• Must include a well-developed concluding paragraph.
• No contractions.
• No first or second person pronouns (third person only).
• Underline or italicize book titles. Place article titles in quotation marks.
• Avoid excessive quotation. Use direct quotes only when absolutely necessary. Paraphrase information from sources in your own words and cite the source.