Q Unit 1 Course Spanning Task: Research Paper Topic Overview: In its final form, your research paper will serve as a portfolio document establishing a firm foundation to support all of your future coursework in your degree program. Although the paper has value in and of itself, remember that it is also a representation of less tangible elements. When you complete your paper, understand that each paper represents an experience – long nights and afternoons in front of the computer pouring your creative energy and intellectual labor into your work. The final paper symbolizes your efforts to master the practical tools of academia as well as the critical thinking skills required for sustained, in-depth analysis required by graduate students. Assignment: Select a topic for your final research paper assignments for this course. For this assignment, write a 300-400 word description of the topic of your research paper. • Select a topic that relates to your graduate program. • Narrow your topic sufficient for an 8-10 page paper. o Describe your topic and identify how the paper relates to your program. • Locate two initial research-quality references using an academic database, such as the Discover!, the search engine on the OU Library home page. o Your references need to be from refereed (peer-reviewed) journal articles in the last ten years. Use the OU library. • Cite two to three references in your topic description using APA in-text citations. • Include the reference information on a reference page at the end of the topic description. o Please note this reference page will be used throughout the course and will be developed as you add additional references with additional research. The assigned FAS Guide "Topic Exploration" – Unit 1 includes further details regarding this assignment as well as some examples. Important Note: Select a topic that pertains to your academic program in some way (i.e. Criminal Justice, Healthcare Administration, Museum Studies, Leadership Administration, or Prevention Science). Potential Research Paper Topic Rubric Potential Research Paper Topic Rubric Criteria Ratings Pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTopic Information and Explanation 12 to >9.0 pts Excellent The research topic is well developed with reasonable scope. The topic is substantiated and shows original thought and inquiry. 9 to >5.0 pts Good The research topic is focused and fits available resources. It shows a grasp of the relevant issues and concepts. Displays some aspects of original thought or investigation. 5 to >0.0 pts Fair The research topic is too broad or too narrow and cannot realistically be researched with available resources. It may be basic enough to be answered easily with general background resources instead of requiring deeper investigation. 0 pts Poor The topic is more suitable for a term paper than a research paper. Immediate reconsideration of the assignment is required. 12 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeGrammar and Style 4 pts Excellent All sentences are well constructed and have varied structure and length. The author makes no errors in grammar, mechanics, and/or spelling. The submission is of the appropriate length (300 to 400 words). 4 to >2.0 pts Good Most sentences are well constructed and have varied structure and length. The author makes a few errors in grammar, mechanics, and/or spelling, but they do not interfere with understanding. The submission is of the appropriate length (300 to 400 words). 2 to >0.0 pts Fair Most sentences are well constructed, but they have a similar structure and/or length. The author makes several errors in grammar, mechanics, and/or spelling that interfere with understanding. The submission may not be of the appropriate length (fewer than 300 words). 0 pts Poor Sentences are awkward, are distractingly repetitive, or are difficult to understand. The author makes numerous errors in grammar, mechanics, and/or spelling that interfere with understanding. The submission is not of the appropriate length (fewer than 300 words). 4 pts This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeReferences 4 pts Excellent At least two scholarly references from journal articles published in the last 10 years are included. In-text citations and references are correctly formatted. References are appropriate and related to the topic. 4 to >2.0 pts Good At least two references are included, and at least one is a scholarly reference from a journal article published in the last 10 years is included. In-text citations and references are correctly formatted most of the time. Most references are appropriate and related to the topic. 2 to >0.0 pts Fair At least one reference from a journal article published in the last 10 years is included. In-text citations and references are correctly formatted sometimes. A few references are appropriate and related to the topic. 0 pts Poor None of the included references are from journal articles published in the last 10 years. In-text citations and references are correctly formatted very little. References are not appropriate or related to the topic. 4 pts Total Points: 20