Science 198: Perspectives on Science
2004-2005
Five possible cases:
1. You have arranged a summer research project with a Yale faculty member and are requesting funding from the PS program; ACTION: Submit 1) a brief abstract of the proposed research topic, or, if you wish, of a topic related to one of the lectures in the course, 2) an outline of what your paper intends to cover, and 3) a bibliography of selected sources that believe are relevant to your paper.
2. You have made contacts about a summer research project with one or more Yale faculty members, but have not yet concluded any agreements. You anticipate requesting funding from the PS program. ACTION: Submit 1) a brief abstract of a possible research topic related to one of the faculty with whom you are in contact, or, if you wish, of a topic related to one of the lectures in the course, 2) an outline of what your paper intends to cover, and 3) a bibliography of selected sources that believe are relevant to your paper.
3. You have made contacts or arranged for a summer research project with someone outside of Yale. PS funding is not available outside of Yale. ACTION: Submit 1) a brief abstract of the proposed research topic, or, if you wish, of a topic related to one of the lectures in the course, 2) an outline of what your paper intends to cover, and 3) a bibliography of selected sources that believe are relevant to your paper..
4. You have not make any contacts or any arrangements for summer research. ACTION: Get into category 1,2 or 3 above immediately.
5 You do not intend to participate in any summer research projects this summer. ACTION: Submit 1) a brief abstract of a research paper on a topic related to one of the lectures in the course, 2) an outline of what your paper intends to cover, and 3) a bibliography of selected sources that believe are relevant to your paper.
A final paper, due at the end of spring semester, is required for Science 198. The topic of the paper should be related to one of the course lectures or to the your proposed research project, if you have elected to work at Yale for the summer. The paper is probably best organized as a review. Start with a clear statement about the scope of your review. Next, summarize the current important issues in your topic area. You might also want to discuss important methods, approaches, or research strategies. You can finish with some general discussion about the field and perhaps some ideas about future directions and/or developments.
The paper should be about 15 pages in length, not including citations and figures. It should be printed with double-spaced 11-point type, on 8.5 x 11 inch paper with one-inch margins all around and page numbers on each page. Break the paper into logical elements, using major and minor headings as relevant (see schematic outlined below). Be sure to include an abstract and a thoughtful introduction. Important ideas, facts, and observations must be supported by citations to relevant scholarly literature. Use an appropriate science citation style for your references. Examine your favorite science journals for examples of different citation styles and appropriate use of citations. The Chicago Manual of Style is another useful source for citation guidelines. Citations should be referenced in full in the reference section at the end of the paper. You are encouraged to use figures where appropriate to support your exposition.
TITLE
NAME
SUMMER MAILING ADDRESS (if you want the paper returned after grading)
ABSTRACT: 150 to 200 word summary of the content and conclusions of the paper
INTRODUCTION: general statement about the paper topic, followed by a short summary of important problems, why they are important, and the issues that will be specifically addressed in the paper. The reader should be left with a clear sense of the territory that the paper will cover.
HEADING #1
HEADING #2
ETC.
CONCLUSIONS: A summary of the major conclusions developed in the paper.
REFERENCES CITED: Full references for citation used in the paper.
FIGURES WITH APPROPRIATE CAPTIONS
We encourage you to prepare an outline before you get started. Email us a copy if you think our feedback would be helpful. You should feel free to contact any of the faculty discussants or lecturers for advice.
Papers are due by 5 PM on Monday April 25th, which is the end of classes. Late papers will be marked down.
Turn in the paper in the marked drop box outside room 315 WLH. Note: the third floor of WLH may be locked after 5 pm. Take the elevator to the third floor in case the access doors are locked.
The final grade for the course will be heavily influenced by the grade for the final paper (assuming, of course, that all other assignments and responsibilities for the course are successfully completed). The paper will be graded on a 10 point basis, with 0 to 2 points for writing and organization; 0 to 3 points for the depth, currency, and appropriateness of the references used; and 0 to 5 points for the science content (e.g. textbook information vs. "cutting edge" journal research, factual accuracy, logical development, clarity of thinking, coherence of arguments, etc.).