The following guidelines/minimum requirements for the Sociology Semester Project pertain only to a research paper.  If you are considering a project other than a research paper, you must make an appointment to sit down with me to discuss your idea by the date that the thesis statement must be submitted (see 2 below).

• General Subject Area – I want you to select a topic that you are particularly interested in.  The only real limitation is that it relate to the science/scope of sociology.  I suggest that you begin by looking through the Table of Contents of your text in order to identify a sociological topic/issue that piques your curiosity.  Then, explore that topic/issue in the text itself and develop a thesis statement related to a specific aspect of that topic that you wish to explore in depth.
  
• Thesis Statement – Your next step is to develop an appropriate and acceptable thesis statement in line with the Research Standards adopted by SHS.  Feel free to consult with me, Mrs. Valenza or Mrs. Rohrbach for further assistance and/or visit the website at http://mcw.org/nspjuweb/thesis.html.

1. Approval of Thesis Statement – I require that you submit your thesis statement to me in writing by the date provided.  I will review your thesis and consult with you about any changes/adjustments that may need to be made or approve it as is.  Failure to submit your statement by this date may result in a lowered grade.
   
2. Length of Paper – I am setting a minimum length requirement of 6 pages typed or computer hard copy (double-spaced); or a minimum of 10 pages (one-sided) if written in longhand (blue or black ink only).  Please note, however, that substantial support of your thesis is a more important factor than mere length of paper.
   
3. Statement of Intent – BE SURE to begin your paper with an introductory paragraph (can be as short as 3-5 sentences) in which you present your thesis and state in specific terms how the body of the paper will defend or support your thesis.  I will use this statement of intent to determine how thoroughly and effectively you made your case.
   
4. Works Consulted – I am requiring that you use a minimum of 5 sources for your paper in addition to any encyclopedias you might choose to utilize.  Magazine/newspaper/journal articles, audio-visual presentations, formal interviews, and annotated internet items are acceptable sources.  Sociological and, especially, primary sources are encouraged.  Include all sources used in a works cited/works consulted page using the format described in our Research Guide.
   
5. Documentation – Proper credit must be given when material is copied verbatim (word-for-word) from a source (i.e., quotes, statistics, photos, original ideas, etc.) or when original ideas are cited from a source.  This documentation should be in-text and on a Works Cited page.  Otherwise, make sure that the text of your paper is in your own words.  DO NOT PLAGIARIZE – or you will get a zero.
   
6. Use a cover page for your paper.  Otherwise you may use whatever format/structure you wish for the text.  Be creative and imaginative.
   
7. Assessment – The semester project is worth 100 points, which will be counted toward the 3rd/6th marking period.  The grading of the project will be based on the provided rubric, with each criterion score multiplied by 5.
   

FAILUTE TO TURN IN A SEMESTER PROJECT BY THE DUE DATE MAY RESULT IN A FAILING GRADE FOR THE 3RD/6TH MARKING PERIOD.