Semester-Long Research Project
Soc 332 [M]
Society and Environment
David A. Sonnenfeld, Ph.D.
Washington State University Tri-Cities
Spring 2005
Each student will design & carry out a semester-long, action research project on at least one practical way to "green" the WSU Tri-Cities campus. At the end of the course, each student will give a short presentation summarizing their findings and accomplishments, and write a final report, including proposals for further action.
Once you have selected a topic, start identifying, obtaining and reading publications related to your project. Your final paper must contain substantive references to at least five related publications.
Your first research deliverable, a 1 p. research proposal, is due in Week 4.
In Week 9, you will informally discuss and submit a working paper summarizing your findings and reflections to-date. The working paper should be well organized and written, 3-5 pp. (plus cover page), typed, double-spaced.
In Week 15, students will make an oral presentation to the rest of the class on their action-research findings and accomplishments. (20% of the project grade.)
Final papers are due no later than the beginning of the last day of class, and should be typed, double-spaced, 10-12 pp. in length, and include proper citations and references. (80% of the project grade.)
Final papers should be submitted in the form of a research portfolio, including:
"A" papers ... meet or exceed all of the requirements for a "B" paper, plus must be exceptionally well thought out, researched, and written. The topic must be interesting, the argument convincing and well-documented.
"B" papers ... must be well organized, researched, and written, and include substantive reference to at least 5 publications related to your topic. They must include proper use of citations and a complete list of references, and be a minimum of 10 pp. (not including cover page and references), typed, double-spaced, 12 pt. New Times Roman type, 1" margin, no extra spacing between paragraphs.
"C" papers ... fall short of requirements for a "B" paper, but still are serious efforts to fulfill the assignment.
"D" papers ... indicate marginal interest in or effort on the topic.
"F" papers ... do not meet minimum course requirements. Multiple submissions (papers already turned into other classes), unoriginal work and plagiarism all will result in an automatic "F".
"I" papers ... any paper not submitted as part of a complete research portfolio (see above) will receive an incomplete.
Week 4 – Action research proposal due – 1 p., typed, double-spaced
Week 9 – Working paper due – 3-5 pp., plus informal presentation of preliminary findings
Week 15 – Oral presentations
Week 16 – Final research paper due – min. 10 pp., plus references and cover sheet, no later than the beginning of scheduled final examination for this course
last updated January 10, 2005