Research
ENG 106: Composition 2
Unit 3
Sept. 17-28, 2001

Objectives

By the time you finish this you unit, you should:
  • be able to find print sources in a library;
  • know how to use interlibrary loan;
  • know how to use URLs, subject directories, and search engines to find Internet sources;
  • be able to summarize, quote, paraphrase, and cite source material;
  • know the difference between facts and interpretation;
  • know how to evaluate a source's credibility;
  • be able to distinguish between primary and secondary sources;
  • know the meanings of relevant terms.

Assignments

Please complete these assignments on or before the dates in bold. 

Sept. 18: Read Be Your Best: Research
Sept. 20: Read Good Reasons, Chapter 13
Sept. 21: Post sidebar and annotated bibliography of definition
Sept. 25: Read Good Reasons, Chapter 5
Sept. 27: Post overview of definition

Updated September 13, 2001
© Mark Canada, 2001
mark.canada@uncp.edu

Introduction

Over the rest of this semester and perhaps the rest of your life, you will continue to use what you have learned about argument.  In this unit, we turn from argument to research.  Specifically, you will learn to track down a variety of useful sources, including general and subject encyclopedias, scholarly monographs, Internet sources, and articles in a variety of periodicals, from newspapers to scholarly journals.  You also will practice evaluating and using these sources.

We will meet in the reference section of the main library throughout this unit.  Please bring a three-ring binder, plenty of paper, IBM-formatted diskettes, your library card, and coins to make photocopies.

Practice

Below are some activities designed to help you master the knowledge and skills covered in this unit.  Some of these activities will take place in class.  I encourage you to use the others outside class to help you master the material in this unit.
  1. Presentations: During each class session, I will meet with some of you for informal presentations.  Please be prepared to answer questions about terms and concepts covered in your reading and our class activities.  If you know you will miss class, you must let me know in advance.  Otherwise, you may not earn credit for this presentation.
  2. Subject Selection: Review the instructions for the definition.  Considering subjects mentioned in Benjamin Franklin's autobiograpy, as well as your own interests, choose a subject for which you wish to write a definition.  For example, you might set out to define colonial law enforcement or colonial medicine.  
  3. Prewriting: Use at least two prewriting strategies to generate some ideas for your definition.  For example, you might use freewriting to explore some directions you might pursue, or you might make a list of the "reporter's questions"--Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?--and begin filling in answers or ideas.
  4. Library Research Chart: Divide a sheet of notebook paper into two columns by drawing a vertical line about two inches from the left margin.  In the left column, write "Key words" at the top and "Call numbers" in the middle. On the right side of the line, write "Resources."  Use this chart to record key words you can use to search for information on your topic, call numbers of books on your topic, and the titles of subject encyclopedias, almanacs, and other resources that may contain relevant information.  Finally, locate the sources and check out or photocopy them.  Place photocopies in your research notebook.  Use interlibrary loan to order items not in the library. 
  5. Internet Research Chart: Divide a sheet of notebook paper into two columns by drawing a vertical line about two inches from the left margin.  In the left column, write "Key words" at the top. On the right side of the line, write "Web Sites."  Now try to locate some information about your subject.  Begin by trying to guess the URL of a related site.  Then, explore at least two subject directories.  Finally, experiment with keywords and Boolean operators on at least two search engines.  Use your chart to record key words you can use to search for information on your topic, as well as the titles of Web sites that contain information about your subject.  Make sure to record the URL of each relevant site. 
  6. Drafting Workshop for Definition Sidebar: Using what you have learned about finding and evaluating sources, compile a sidebar for your definition.
  7. Drafting Workshop for Definition Overview: Using what you have learned about paraphrasing, quoting, and summarizing, begin drafting the overview portion of your definition.
  8. Revision Workshop for Definition: Pair up with a partner and read one another's definitions.  Consider each of the following components:
    1. Claim: Underline the claim and assess its substance, contestability, clarity, and precision.
    2. Support: Comment on the relevance, credibility, and sufficiency of supporting evidence.  Note any holes in the definition.
    3. Clarity: Comment on the organization, topic sentences, and transitions.

Conclusion

Having found, evaluated, and used a number of sources for your definition, you should be in a good position to move on to our next project, a causal analysis.  In fact, I encourage you to build on your definition in this project and use many of the same sources.