The final writing assignment in GNED101X is to solve a problem and describe the process of that problem-solving in writing. You will pick a problem from one of three categories, and once you have my approval on it, you will apply the five-step problem-solving method to your chosen subject, and write up your results. The result should be a paper at least 7 typed pages long exclusive of documentation (you must document any and all sources used, whether they are summaries, paraphrases, or direct quotes, in MLA style).

We will discuss the topics in class on Oct. 30; you have until Friday November 2 to e-mail me at kosterj@winthrop.edu with your idea for a topic. I will e-mail you back with approval (conditional or not) over the weekend, so please use a working e-mail account.

On Monday November 5 we will discuss organizing and documenting the paper. Bring both books to class. You should also print out "The Correct Use of Borrowed Information" from the English Department Website, http://www.winthrop.edu/english/plagiarism.htm. Bring it to class. I will ask you to sign and turn in the pledge at the end of the handout.

On Wednesday Nov. 7 we will not have class so that you can conduct research on the paper. Remember that our research librarians have advanced degrees in looking things up. Use them!

From Weds. Nov. 14-Friday Nov. 16 we will have conferences on your progress. Be prepared to bring an outline or draft, your research sources, and your questions to my office.

Before Thanksgiving, I will assign you a writing partner. On Wednesday, Nov. 28 (my mother’s birthday), you and your partner will spend class time reviewing each other’s drafts and helping each other improve them. I also encourage you to make appointments at the Writing Center (242 Bancroft, 323-2138) to improve your paper.

1. Campus/Rock Hill. Pick a problem that affects a particular group of people on campus or in the community. You may not pick the parking (or walking) problem. Ex. Should sociology majors have to do an internship? How can SGA improve participation in campus elections? Etc.

2. Your home town. Pick a problem that affects a particular group of people in your hometown. Ex. What can your church do to encourage youth attendance? Should your town’s curfew be repealed? Etc.

3. Your major, current job, or future career. Examples: What kinds of courses should be added to the CSCI curriculum to make graduates more competitive in the market? What should your employer do to speed up returns? Etc.