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ASRC 1500: Introduction to Africana Studies: Research Process

Just take a few moments to think about the following: 

  1. What am I trying to accomplish?
  2. How interested am I in this idea?
  3. How much time do I have?
  4. What information and resources are available? 
  5. Does your issue have sub-topics that you need to know more about? 
  6. What is the assigned length of the research paper?

Oral Presentation: (20%) Each student is free to select her/his/their topic. The presentations will be 10 minutes per student. The topic selected by each student must be discussed with, and approved by, the instructor/TA. Presentations will start on April  8 to conclude on May 1st.

One or two presentations will be scheduled on April 8, 10, 15, and 17.  The sessions of April 24 and 29, and May 1st will be entirely devoted to the presentations.

  • Mid-term Essay: (30%) due on February 28 at 5:00 PM (submitted on Canvas). The paper must consist of 11-12 double-spaced and typewritten pages, including endnotes/footnotes. Topic for the mid-term essay: Select, compare, and critically examine two individuals or groups that you consider to be agents/contributors to the founding of Africana Studies.
     
  • Final Paper: (40%) due on May 15 at 5:00 PM (submitted on Canvas).

The final paper will provide an opportunity for each student to research on a topic (different from the mid-term essay) on Africana Studies in general, Africana Studies at Cornell, or a critique of a key text (not covered in class) on Black intellectual tradition. This paper should comprise of 13-14 double-spaced and typewritten pages, including endnotes/footnotes. The topic selected by each student must be discussed with, and approved by, the instructor/TA.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE MID-TERM ESSAY AND FINAL PAPER:

The mid-term essay and final paper must be well structured, with an introduction, and clearly articulated issues comprising of 3-4 different sections with their respective sub-titles, and a conclusion. Use assigned readings, films, and any other relevant documents, sources, and class discussions to support your arguments. A good paper is analytical rather than descriptive. Avoid making unsubstantiated and general statements. Support your arguments with historical and/or contemporary examples/facts and theoretical articulations by selected authors. Diversify your sources and clearly indicate quotations and citations with full references.

Writing Strong Research Questions | Crieteria and Examples:

Published on October 26, 2022 by Shona McCombes. Revised on August 15, 2023. For the original essay with more details visit: https://www.scribbr.com/research-process/research-questions/

A research question pinpoints exactly what you want to find out in your work. A good research question is essential to guide your research paper, dissertation, or thesis.

All research questions should be:

  • Focused on a single problem or issue
  • Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
  • Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
  • Specific enough to answer thoroughly
  • Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
  • Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly