Final Paper Outline
Final paper outline, paper, & presentation
Pick a contextual topic touched upon in this course that you would like to explore in a greater depth. The topic will need to be one about which you can write 2500-3000 words (10-12 pages) to introduce, explore and conclude your discussion. Adopt a standpoint and articulate your view while acknowledging or articulating alternative views, explanations, consequences or implications. Use at least six references (articles of evidence) to support your discussion. Feel free to run the topic by the instructor.
See the rubric in Brightspace for Grading information.
Outline of Final Paper (see rubric)
The outline is to reflect the general structure.
Outline can follow any of the format spec options in Word (The roman numeral letter number format is fine: I. A..1. a. 2. B. II.. etc.) If you prefer international decimal style (1. 1.1 1.1.1 1.2 etc.) that is also acceptable.
Draw on two or more narrative sources in considering your topic expressing contrasting or comparative experiences or contexts. Supporting sources outside of course readings welcome.
- Feel free to use a source from a future week. For example, on refugee or war-related trauma, Week 6. For end of life care, Week 7. On Mind, perception, and self, Week 8.
- You may relate a personally known context or experience. No one is required to do so, (Note: there will be a brief summarizing presentation of your paper in the final week that other students will see.)
One option is to produce a creative writing, such as a dialogue or conversation between two or three figures from the readings. For documentation and references you would use footnotes to cite sources (to not impede the flow).
- Such could include comparative experience, social context, moral or ethical dimensions, consideration of the whole person in the context of trauma, vulnerability, resilience, healing or dying, …
- Examples: a conversation between Ivan Illyich (Week 2) and Professor Bearing (Week 7) / Joseph Merrick (the ‘Elephant Man’), circus handler, and examination theater physician (Week 3) / Paul Kalanithi (Weeks 4 & 5) and Professor Bearing (Week 7) / John Musgrave (soldier) and refugee or aid station nurse (Week 6) / pre and post traumatic person.
TOPICS OF EACH WEEK SO CHOOSE ANY FOR THE PAPER
- Stories of Illness, Tolstoy I
- Tolstoy II: The Death of Ivan Ilyich
- Joseph Merrick, the Elephant Man
- Paul Kalinithi, When Breath Becomes Air, Part I
- Paul Kalinithi, When Breath Becomes Air, Part II
- War and Back?
- At W;t’s end
- Borderlands of Mind and Body
Required Texts (new or used)
- Other literary texts, articles, etymologies, YouTubes (play, documentaries, etc.), are linked through Brightspace.
- Three Deaths & The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy (Weeks 1 & 2)Digireads edition of The Death of Ivan Ilyich and Other Stories or online (multiple other editions).
- When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. (Weeks 4 & 5) (hardback even if used – well wrought)
- Notes to the Man Who Shot Me by John Musgrave (Week 6) (possible author zoom conversation also) – find on Amazon. (John’s biography will be published by Knopf on November 2, 2021. An optional live Zoom intro and Q&A session with John is planned as part of the course.)
- The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat by Oliver Sacks (Week 7)
Outline of paper with references (5% of course grade)
Due Week 5
Include a descriptive title at the top of the outline
Write a full-sentence, alphanumeric outline
State thesis (your position)
State at least 3 arguments
For each argument, list at least one reference for and one against your position
Include a bibliography
Format = Word
Final paper specs (15% of course grade)
Due Week 7
2500-3000 words, double-spaced, 11 pt arial font
Header = “[Title] by [Your Name]”
Format = Word
Cite references within paper (at least 6)
List References on last page (MLA style or APA — choose one and stick to it)
Submit at least 24 hours before it is due. The assignment uses Turnitin. Read the feedback given and modify your paper accordingly. See Turnitin help.
Resubmit after editing.
Presentation specs (10% of course grade)
Due Week 8
Slide presentation = 5-10 slides
Time = 3-5 minutes (do NOT ramble. Be precise.)
Record using Zoom or Loom. Paste link in discussion board forum. If you save the file to your Google Drive, make sure you share it with everyone at St. Scholastica, then copy that link.
