Rubric for Senior Seminar Research Paper

Department of Sociology and Anthropology

Lincoln University, Pennsylvania

Phase of Project Phase II of Project

1, 2, 3, 4, 5	1, 2, 3, 4, 5	1, 2, 3, 4, 5	1, 2, 3, 4, 5	1, 2, 3, 4, 5	1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Selection of Topic for Research Paper	Submission of the Topic	Data Collection and Faculty Consultation	Data and Research Summary	Paper Submission	Included in Final Paper
Knowing that the Senior Seminar Course (SSC) requires a major research paper, each student should seek a topic in his/her major field of study before the course begins.	Not later than three weeks after the beginning of the SSC, students should submit a written description – approximately 100 words – of their topic to their professor.	Throughout the SSC, each student should consult regularly with her/his professor to ensure that the data collected is adequate to support the positions adopted in the research paper.	After approximately six weeks, students should submit a typed, two-page summary of their work, along with a bibliography of not less than fifteen sources. Encyclopedias (traditional or online) should not to be used as sources for the SSC research paper.	Submitted on time.	Literature Review Section: Student demonstrates a serious effort to survey the literature.
Students should therefore get faculty advice and do preliminary research on their respective topics prior to the beginning of the course.	A suitable topic for the SSC should be manageable, that is, not excessively broad, and cover a specific and limited time.	Students should use primary source date, that is, data that is self-generated (questionnaires, interviews), and/or secondary source data acquired from a government organization and/or from a reputable private agency or institution.	The summary should give a general description of the topic, explain the data collection process to this point, and provide a tentative explanation and analysis of the research project.	Guidelines for paper followed.	Data Presentation: Student uses a computer graphics program, e.g., Microsoft Excel, to create and present data. Graphics presented in a clear, easily readable format and data source properly documented.
					Analysis: Student demonstrates analytical skills that properly use the data collected for the project.
					Conclusion: Significant incorporation of analytical discussions.

Evaluation:

1. Very Good 2. Good 3. Average 4. Poor 5. Fail