A study in depth writing plan

by Bryan Dupler

Adjunct instructor, OU College of Professional and Continuing Studies

This helpful web site sets forth the major steps in a study in depth-type research paper. The OUCLS has also provided you with departmental guidelines to follow. The OU Writing Center can also provide guidance and support!!

We will use the following schedule for monitoring your progress in completing your study in depth paper.

Weeks 1-2. Proposal, preliminary thesis, approval.

Selection of a interdisciplinary (2 or more disciplines) research topic
Development of a proposal in the form required by the College
Statement of the preliminary thesis
Submit proposal and thesis for adviser feedback
Refine and finalize the proposal
Communicate with adviser by at least one email concerning progress

Weeks 2-6. Conducting the study, bibliography of sources.

Locating primary source materials (10-30 works, at least 2 books, 2 relevant journal articles)
Review of relevant literature
Collect any additional source material
Further refinement of thesis statement
Compile an annotated bibiography of all sources
Communicate with adviser by at least one email concerning progress

Weeks 7-13. Writing process.

A completed introduction including the thesis statement
A title page, and complete outline of the paper by major subject headings
Rough draft of all major sections (introduction, body sections, conclusions, references page)
Proper APA formatted in-text citations for all sources used in the paper, with page nos. for quoted material
Table of contents with major subject headings and page numbers
A completed rough draft of, ready for submission to adviser.
Continue critical review of text and add improvements throughout
Communicate with adviser by at least one email concerning progress

Weeks 14-16. Revision and final submission.

Final revision of rough draft
Adviser review and feedback on rough draft
Revisions based on feedback
Final proofread, grammar, and citation check
Submit completed final paper by week 15
Adviser review and grade recommendation
Communicate with adviser by at least one email concerning progress

Summary of College’s criteria for final grade

Interdisciplinary thinking – utilize research in two or more disciplines related to the topic.
Sources of information used – extensive, diverse, academic, recognized scholarship
Analysis and synthesis – describes method of inquiry, develops reasoned argument from evidence
States effective conclusion about all findings
Quality writing – coherent prose, proper grammar, spelling, and documentation
Style- interesting, original treatment utilizing strongly integrated interdisciplinary approach