Handout 4

Soc 532
Environmental Sociology

David A. Sonnenfeld, Ph.D.

Washington State University

Fall 2005

Final Paper & Presentation Guidelines

Your final paper & presentation constitute 30 per cent of your course grade.  Please review the following guidelines; note the intermediate deliverables & schedule. 

Final Paper

As a final project, students will submit an integrative, critical review essay based in the first instance on course texts.  Any one of the following approaches may be taken: 

1) An extended commentary developing a theme raised in one of your weekly commentaries, or a new topic;

2) A selection from a draft research proposal for your master's or Ph.D. thesis;  

3) A selection from a draft grant application narrative for your master's or Ph.D. thesis research;

4) A critical review essay on a theme from the topical course outline on the course website; or 

5) Another topic of your choosing, with consent of the instructor. 

Recommended and other texts and empirical material may be used to supplement the required course texts.

Format:  The paper should be 10-12 pp. (plus cover sheet, notes & references), typed, double-spaced, include a complete bibliographical listing of works consulted, and be proficiently (or even better, tightly) written.  Paper is due no later than noon, Monday, December 12.

Return envelope:  Please include either (a) a self-addressed 10”x12” campus mail envelope with your campus address; or (b) a stamped, self-addressed 10”x12” manila envelope with your off-campus address. 

Intermediate Deliverables

• Abstract:  Write a one paragraph (c. 150 word) abstract/ description of your final paper.  Append a beginning list of any texts to be used in addition to required course texts.  (See the recommended texts on the course syllabus, the topical readings listed on the course website, and supplemental bibliography, also on the website.)  Due in class, Week 7. 
   
• Paper outline:  Write a short (1 p.) outline of your final paper (1 p.); append a revised abstract & references.  Bring two copies, one for a seminar "buddy" for peer feedback, and one for to the instructor.  Due in class, Week 11. 
   
• Buddy comments:  Give your seminar "buddy" constructive comments, feedback, and suggestions for her/his final paper.  Bring two copies of your comments, one for the recipient, one for the instructor.  Should be typed, double-spaced.  Due in class, Week 12. 

Presentation

Seminar participants will give a short presentation on their final paper at the end of the course.  Length should be ~ 10-15 minutes, plus questions and discussion. 

Special effects:  You are welcome to use simple handouts, transparencies, or other multi-media material to illustrate your presentation.  A short (1 p.) bibliography of relevant materials often is appreciated by seminar participants.  If you have any equipment/ media needs, please let me know in advance, so I can make the necessary arrangements. 

Feedback:  Since your paper may not be finalized at the time of your presentation, the latter may be of a “work in progress”.  We have ample time, so consider what kind of feedback from the rest of the seminar group would be useful to you in completing your paper.  What are the key questions?  dilemmas?  in the topic you are examining. 

Attendance at the final session is required. 

Thank you!  I look forward to your final papers. 

Soc 532 Home Page

last updated November 28, 2005