ENVSCI 101 –The Global Environment
Term Paper Guidelines
Due Dates:
Topic Choice – THURSDAY Feb 3
Outline and Source List – TUESDAY Mar 01
Final Paper – TUESDAY Mar 29
ENVSCI 101 will include a “Term Paper” worth 15% of your final grade. For this paper, each student will be required to choose the most important environmental issue as per you within the subject matter of the class. It is strongly encouraged that you utilize your knowledge of your native countries and relate the course subject matter to something of interest to you there. For example, if you are from Bangladesh you may choose to write a paper on how sea-level rise resulting from climate change is impacting coastal communities. Another example would be a paper discussing the importance of the Nakdong River to the coastal ecosystems of South Korea. Later in the semester you will be required to develop and give a presentation on the same topic.
FORMATTING CRITERIA
- The paper should be 3-4 WRITTEN pages NOT INCLUDING the Title Page, Figures, and Literature Cited page.
- Double Spaced
- The Font should be 12 point Times New Roman
SOURCE CITATIONS
Your source list MUST have at least 5 sources. THREE (3) must be NON-INTERNET sources. You can use e-journals as your sources that will not be counted as internet sources. WIKIPEDIA is NOT an acceptable source.
The paper can follow the Harvard style guide/Chicago style/APA style with respect to referencing. Make sure you stick to one style only that you have chosen throughout the paper. You MUST adequately reference your paper and give credit to those who completed the work you are studying. Citations must appear abbreviated within the text in parenthesis as well as in full detail within the Literature Cited page. Figures are encouraged. If you have any questions on how to cite material please ask during class, office hours, or via email.
GENERAL OUTLINE
Your outline should include the following sections. Each section will then be elaborated in your paper. The mechanics of writing will be explained in detail during class time. Your paper should also include a cover page which has your papers title, your name, date, course name and number.
The following shows the basic form of a general outline. I have also included some examples of the kind of information and detail I am looking for in your initial submission of the outline.
- Background
- Broad background of topic
- Study site location and other background info including a map figure
- Thesis or Hypothesis (e.g. The Nakdong River is important to the environment and economy of South Korea)
- Main Section
Three main premises and accompanying evidence which support your thesis or hypothesis. For example three main factors could include:
- The Nakdong River provides nutrients and sediments to coastal wetlands
- Coastal wetlands are dependent on nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium supplied through river transport
- Organic and non-organic sediments from river bank erosion are crucial for wetland development and functioning
- The River provides over 3 million metric tons of sediment each year to coastal wetlands
- The Nakdong River provides important habitat for many plants and animals
- Over 100 species of birds are dependent on the river
- Over 1,000 species of plants can be found along the river
- The river has rare and threatened species including the Baikal Teal and White-naped Crane
- The Nakdong River provides abundant natural services to South Korea
- The river provides more than 7000 kilowatts of hydroelectric power to South Korea and is a major part of the four rivers project
- The river provides habitat for commercially important species including catfish and snails
- The river provides irrigation for 2 million hectares of agricultural land
- The river provides recreational opportunities of thousands of South Korean residents including bass fishing and boating
- Conclusion
- Summarize important points from your Main Section
- The Nakdong River provides nutrients and sediments to coastal lands
- The Nakdong River provides important habitat essential for 1000’s of plants and animals
- The Nakdong River provides important natural services to South Korea and is crucial for the Korean economy
- Summarize important points from your Main Section
- Briefly identify the “take home message” you would like people to remember about your paper and how this relates to the global environment as studied in class.
- The Nakdong River is a vital to the environment and economy of South Korea and therefore should be protected against environmental degradation.
Literature Cited Page
At least 5 sources, 3 of which CANNOT be a website and must have been originally published in a journal, government report, or book. You can use the textbook as one of the non-internet sources. All sources should be cited according to the Style guide that you chose.
GRADING CRITERIA
The paper will be worth 15% of your final grade. It will be divided in the following way:
- Choice of Topic– 2%. You will be graded on your ability to choose a topic before the deadline. You will also be required to submit a short 30 word statement why you are choosing the topic.
- Outline & Source List – 5%. Your outline should be a detailed version of the GENERAL OUTLINE shown above. You also must submit a source list that contains the 5 sources required.
- Final Paper – 8%. Final paper should be submitted by Tuesday, Mar 29.
There is a “term paper presentation” within the “term paper” folder on blackboard with important tips on researching, writing, and citing sources for research papers.
It is strongly advised that you review this presentation.
ACADEMIC HONESTY ON THIS ASSIGNMENT WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED. PLAGIARISM WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. ANY STUDENT CAUGHT PLAGIARIZING WILL RECEIVE AN AUTOMATIC ZERO ON THE ASSIGNMENT AND MAY BE REPORTED TO THE UNIVERSITY. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTION ABOUT WHAT PLAGIARISM IS AND HOW TO AVOID IT PLEASE ASK.
