Research Paper Schedule

1. Assemble Initial Bibliography.

   As discussed in class, you should have completed this phase already. You did this by searching both polycat and uncover.

   You should have completed this task by September 28, 1995.

2. Review Initial Materials.

   Once you've assembled the list of potential sources, you need to locate them and skim through them. Identify the sources that deal with your topic. Construct a working bibliography.

   This should be done by October 5, 1995.

3. Develop statement of purpose and outline.

   The statement of purpose is analogous to the scope and objectives section of a software project plan. You need to have one for a research paper for the same reasons that you need one for a software development project.

   Once you've decided the primary purpose of your paper, you can develop an outline that will acheive this purpose.

   I invite you to bring your purpose statement and outline to me for a review before you proceed further.

   You should complete this task by October 10, 1995.

4. Write the first draft.

   Expand each of the main points you need to make in your paper. Examine the alternatives for examples, figures, tables and diagrams. Get the ideas down on paper, at stage stage, you shouldn't worry about making it read perfectly.

   Let a friend review your paper; she can identify areas that are unclear. I invite you to bring your draft by the office so I can briefly review it.

   Your first draft should be complete by October 19, 1995.

5. Let your paper rest.

   Take a break from the paper for a while. When you pick it up again, you'll be able to examine it with "fresh eyes."

6. Write the final paper.

   Review your draft with critical eyes; identify the sections that are unclear or inadequate. Re-write them. Paper writing is a skill; I like to compare it to wood-working. Just a carver cuts, carves and polishes his work, so should you review-re-work and re-write your paper until it is the best paper you can produce.