2 ENGL 1302 – Capstone Essay
Module one: Research proposal (1000 word minimum) – This module teaches State of Texas ACGM Course Objectives (Student Learning Outcomes) 1, 2, 3, and 4, with an emphasis on 3.
ACGM Course Objectives (Student Learning Outcomes):
- Demonstrate knowledge of individual and collaborative writing processes;
- Develop ideas with appropriate support and attribution;
- Write in a style appropriate to audience and purpose;
- Read, reflect, and respond critically to a variety of texts;
- Use Edited American English in academic essays.
The proposal is an introduction of the research topic. Students will identify the topic of the semester’s research paper and the argument being made, as well as explaining why and how the topic is being written about. Think of this like a conversation (in a more academic/formal tone than just talking amongst friends). If someone asked what the student is writing about, this paper would be his or her answer to explain it.
The Research Proposal should contain (in a logical order):
- Introduction: A specific, clear statement of the topic
- The research question/thesis: What the student wishes to learn or prove about the topic
- How did the student arrive at the thesis question?
- Explain the interest in the topic.
- The research question/thesis: What the student wishes to learn or prove about the topic
- Body: What is the purpose of the research question (persuade, inform, argue, etc)?
- What are some potential difficulties the student foresees with the research?
- What preliminary research (if any) has been done? Briefly summarize those results.
- Conclusion: What does the student hope readers will take away from the finished product (the research paper)?
Module Two: Reader-response/interpretive/close reading essay (1000 word minimum) – This module teaches State of Texas ACGM Course Objectives (Student Learning Outcomes) 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5, with emphasis on 3 (analyze, interpret, and evaluate texts) and 5 (conventions of citation styles).
ACGM Course Objectives (Student Learning Outcomes):
- Demonstrate knowledge of individual and collaborative writing processes;
- Develop ideas with appropriate support and attribution;
- Write in a style appropriate to audience and purpose;
- Read, reflect, and respond critically to a variety of texts;
- Use Edited American English in academic essays.
The Reader Response/Interpretive/Close Reading Essay asks students to look at their research & consider how it applies to the chosen topic – does it support the argument/thesis, does it contradict the point (in which case, students will explain where the problem with that research lies), does it set up the argument/provide context, etc?
The Reader-Response/Interpretive/Close Reading essay should contain (in a logical order):
- Introduction: State the argument or claim culminating in the thesis statement.
- Body of Essay
- Summary of sources: For each source, write a summary of the source.
- Analysis & response: For eac