DUE TONIGHT BEFORE MIDNIGHT CENTRAL TIME ZONE 

Final Paper Guidelines

Final Paper-Students  will select a topic from a list of Pre-Approved Topics for their final  paper. Students will develop a focused literature review based on  scientific and peer-reviewed research. The paper will develop 2-3 main  claims, then support those claims with literature and scientific  evidence. Papers should draw from the course textbooks and a minimum of 4-5 outside, non-textbook, sources (books, scientific research, peer-reviewed journal articles) to support main claims. Papers should be 5-7 pages double-spaced. 

All papers should:                   

a) identify the  main concepts and approaches for this topic                                                                         

b) provide a comprehensive overview of the main theory/literature                                                             

c) discuss real life events and situations where these issues are playing out in society, politics, and/or the environment.

Pre-Approved Topics

1. Approaches to identifying and overcoming stereotypes 

2. Intercultural transitions and cultural assimilation

3. Non-verbal communication differences across cultures.

4. Challenges and benefits of establishing intercultural relationships

5. Managing intercultural conflicts effectively

6. Cultural influences on communication

7. Language and cultural identity (bi or multilingualism, code-switching)

8. Challenges and benefits to migration in the modern era (forced and voluntary)

9. Causes and effects of xenophobic attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.

10. Student Specific Ethnic & Cultural Identity and History  

Please  consult the paper writing guidelines and grading rubric, listed here  and under the assignment in BB, for instructions on this assignment. The  final paper is the major assignment that will usually determine how well someone does in this course, regardless of your grade going into the final paper assignment.

Suggested Layout For Final Paper

1. Introduction -The Intro includes introducing the topic/issues to the reader. 
   1. Attention Device (Poignant Story, Statistic, or Question) 
   2. Touch briefly on the background of main topics. What is this paper about?
   3. Justify  the importance of this particular topic. Why should the reader care  about this issue in terms of the main topics of this course?
   4. Thesis  Example: This paper will review current approaches to understanding  intercultural relationships, as well as some ways to effectively resolve  intercultural conflicts. The paper will also discuss current events  that highlight intercultural conflicts that have been resolved  effectively in the modern era.    
2. Body-The Body includes the Main Claims, which are supported by Research and Literature. Papers should draw from Textbooks and a minimum of 4-5 outside sources to support main claims. 
   1. Main  Claim 1, For Example: “There are several motivations that people may  have for seeking out intercultural relationships. These are….”*Discuss  different theory or approaches to this topic. Draw from textbooks and  peer-reviewed journal articles, scholarly books, and scientific sources.
   2. Main  Claim 2, For Example: “When people enter into intercultural  relationships, there are often challenges or conflicts that can emerge.  Some of these conflicts may be related to…” “Ways that people can  effectively resolve these conflicts include…”
   3. Main  Claim 3, For Example: “In society today, we can see that the issue of  intercultural relationships and conflict resolution are especially  relevant. Some recent events where this issue was playing out include…”  “The people involved in this situation were able to resolve their  conflict through…” “This approach aligns with previous research about  this topic because…” 
3. Conclusion 
   1. Briefly summarize the main ideas presented. Weave together the different elements that your paper discussed. 
   2. Discuss areas of research that should be expanded upon, as well as possible disadvantages of this research approach. 
   3. Leave your readers with something intriguing to consider or explore.
4. References  
   1. Cite all authors you use in the intro, body, or conclusion.
   2. Use APA format for reference listing of authors/literature.
   3. Use minimum of 4-5 external scientific or research sources and your textbooks.

*Please let me know if you have any questions after you review this outline. J

*Please continue reading to review the grading rubric that will be used to evaluate your Final Paper. Thanks!

Final Paper Grading Rubric

1. Introduction of issues and overview of paper

   

Not Met

Minimally Met

Adequately Met

Fully Met

 

1

2

3

4

5

6

 

Does not introduce issues and provide an overview of the paper

Minimal introduction of issues and overview of the paper

Adequate introduction of issues and overview of the paper

Effective introduction of issues and overview of the paper

               

2. Literature Review

   

Not Met

Minimally Met

Adequately Met

Fully Met

 

1

2

3

4

5

6

 

Does not review literature on main topics

Provides a minimal review of literature

Adequate review of literature

Effective review of relevant literature

               

3. Main claims are clearly articulated and supported with evidence

   

Not Met

Minimally Met

Adequately Met

Fully Met

 

1

2

3

4

5

6

 

Does not provide supporting evidence

Minimal evidence to support major claims

Adequate evidence to support major claims

Effective evidence to support major claims

               

4. Claims demonstrate proficient understanding of class principles

   

Not Met

Minimally Met

Adequately Met

Fully Met

 

1

2

3

4

5

6

 

Does not demonstrate a proficient understanding

Demonstrates minimal understanding 

Demonstrates adequate understanding

Demonstrates proficient understanding

               

5. Conclusion integrates major ideas discussed, limitations, and future research.  

   

Not Met

Minimally Met

Adequately Meet

Fully Met

 

1

2

3

4

5

6

 

Does not integrate major ideas discussed, limitations, and future research

Demonstrates minimal integration of major ideas discussed, limitations, and future research

Demonstrates adequate integration of major ideas discussed, limitations, and future research

Demonstrates proficient integration of major ideas discussed, limitations, and future research