Research Essay

Overview

Students create a substantial academic argument that incorporates a range of sources appropriate to their project, which may include library and Internet sources and, in some cases, field research.  The PWR 2 RBA builds on the work in the PWR 1 RBA, asking students to engage with argument and research in a manner appropriate to their greater university and disciplinary writing experience as sophomores.  At end of the process, students write and submit an ungraded “Reflection on Written Research-Based Assignment” (250 words).

Length

3000-3600 words or 10-12 pages of research-based writing; ungraded “Reflection on Written Research-Based Argument” (i.e., cover letter or reflective memo) of 250 words. 

Sources

A minimum of 8 to 10 sources should substantively inform the essay, recognizing that a rigorous research-based argument may engage with many more sources in the research process. Sources that count toward the total should play a specific and well-integrated role in the essay and not serve as an incidental source used for no clear rhetorical purpose.

Student Learning Objectives:

• Demonstrate advanced understanding of the rhetorical situation by addressing needs or values of the reading audience with appropriate style, appeals, and documentation conventions appropriate to a specific disciplinary context
• Sharpen research-based writing skills by strategically integrating and organizing sources and evidence relevant for the topic, audience, and context
• Read and interpret a broad range of data and source materials related to a subject and discern how sources contribute to existing public and/or scholarly conversations
• Generate new ideas or insights into the conversations on a topic
• Reflect on their learning experience in narrowing and selecting topics, researching sources for the PWR 2 RBA, framing questions, and writing style and strategies.