A Paper

Students will complete a paper (6-10 pages) which will be due on November 10 in class. I will suggest possible topics and hand out instructions on this assignment in class (preliminary directions are on the website). Your paper should include some primary sources (newspapers, journals, letters, diaries, etc.). The paper will constitute 10% of the course grade. All papers will also be electronically submitted to plagiarism.org, an Internet clearinghouse that works to prevent fraud in paper composition. In fairness to students who hand in their papers on time, late papers will be assessed a penalty for each day the paper is late. Be sure to cite all the sources you are going to use in the paper!

Submission format: turn in the paper in two ways.
First, give me a printout of it on November 10, second, send it to my e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., don't forget to name your file!

Guidelines for writing a paper

Technical Requirements

The paper should contain 6-10 pages:
• it should be typed (type #10, Times New Roman);
• don't forget to put your name and date in the right-hand corner of the first page, title pages are unnecessary;
• center your title twelve lines from the top of the first page;
• leave uniform margins on each page: an inch (2,5см) on both sides and at the top and the bottom of the page;
• intent each new paragraph five spaces from the left margin;
• double-space all the copy;
• number the pages in the top right-hand corner.

Style

Papers should include the following sections:
1. An Introduction that states the problem to be investigated, contextualizes the research by describing the underlying theoretical framework, defines the variables and research hypotheses.
2. A Discussion Section that includes an overview of the problem and why you see this as an important challenge, a thorough literature review and adequate reference citations to support the arguments (approximately 6-15 references); all material that is paraphrased or quoted from another source is substantiated with an in-text reference citation.
3. A Conclusion that includes general implications of the study, suggestions for further research.
4. References.

Ten questions to ask yourself while writing a paper:
1. Do I understand the topic I intend to discuss?
2. Are my notes clear and complete, allowing me to describe key images and other elements of the literary work?
3. Does my opening paragraph lead to a specific and precisely formulated thesis which anticipates the main points of the argument of the paper?
4. Do my topic sentences reflect a logical development of that thesis?
5. Are there smooth transitions between paragraphs and sentences?
6. Do paragraphs cohere, usually around a single idea?
7. Is the meaning of each sentence clear, and are the structures of sentences varied?
8. Are general or abstract observations supported with concrete examples?
9. Have I carefully proofread and revised for grammatical, spelling, and typographical errors?
10. Have footnotes and quotations been double-checked for accuracy and proper placement?

References

References should relate only to the material that is cited within the content of the manuscript and may not include any bibliographic references that do not associate directly with the content of the manuscript. References should be in alphabetical order and not numbered in the text or in the reference list. Please do not include any abbreviations.

References should appear as:
Book with one author: Author, A. A. (2005). Title of work. Location/City, State: Publisher. Book with two authors: Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (2005). Title of work. Location/City, State: Publisher.
Book with more than two authors: Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (2005). Title of work. Location/City, State: Publisher.
Journal article: Sawyer, S., & Tapia, A. (2005). The sociotechnical nature of mobile computing work: Evidence from a study of policing in the United States. International Journal of Technology and Human Interaction, 1(3), 1-14.
A publication in press: Junho, S. (in press). Roadmap for e-commerce standardization in Korea. International Journal of IT Standards and Standardization Research.
Edited book: Zhao, F. (Ed.). (2006). Maximize business profits through e-partnerships. Hershey, PA: IRM Press.
Chapter in an edited book: Jaques, P. A., & Viccari, R. M. (2006). Considering students’ emotions in computer-mediated learning environments. In Z. Ma (Ed.), Web-based intelligent e-learning systems: Technologies and applications (pp. 122-138). Hershey, PA: Information Science Publishing.
Published proceedings: Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1991). A motivational approach to self: Integration in personality. In R. Dienstbier (Ed.), Nebraska Symposium on Motivation: Vol. 38. Perspectives on motivation (pp. 237-288). Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press.
Web site: VandenBos, G., Knapp, S., & Doe, J. (2001). Role of reference elements in the selection of resources by psychology undergraduates. Journal of Bibliographic Research, 5, 117- 123. Retrieved October 13, 2001, from http://jbr.org/articles.html

Citation

In-Text Citations: In-text citations should appear with author surname followed by publication year in parentheses.
Example: (Brown, 2002) Variations of in-text citations: o Citing several references in-text: In alphabetical order, each citation is separated by a semicolon and ampersand (&). The word, “and” should not be used to separate entries. Example: In most organizations, data resources are considered to be a major resource (Brown, 2002; Krall & Johnson, 2005; Smith, 2001). o Citing author within sentence if author’s name is mentioned directly within the manuscript text: Example: Brown (2002) states that the value of data is recognized by most organizations. o Direct quote in-text citations: Example: “In most organizations, data resources are considered to be a major organization asset” (Smith, 2001, pp. 35-36) and must be carefully monitored by the senior management. o In-text citations should not appear numbered: Incorrect: In most organizations, data resources are considered to be a major resource [15; 30; 84]. Correct: In most organizations, data resources are considered to be a major resource (Brown, 2002; Krall & Johnson, 2005; Smith, 2001).
For quotes exceeding 40 words, quotes should be formatted as a block quote (a block quote uses no quotation marks, and its margins are indented from the left; a period is placed before the parenthetical in-text citation): Example: As an ever-growing number of people around the world have gained access to e-mail and Internet facilities, it has become clear that the communicative environment provided by these tools can foster language learning. E-mail facilitates access to speakers of one's target language. (Vinagre & Lera, 2007, p. 35)

Submission: Papers should be submitted both as a printed version on the required date (see the deadlines) and as an email attachment in .doc or .docx format - the main body of the e-mail message should contain the title of the paper and the name.

Topics for papers

1. What Makes American and Russian Cultures so Different and What Makes us so Much Alike?
2. The American Way of Life versus the Russian Way of Life (a contrastive analysis).
3. "Free Choice" in American and Russian Public Education.
4. American vs Russian Universities: differences and similarities.
5. Ethnic Minorities' problems in the USA and Russia.
6. Are There Any Ways to Combat Illegal Immigration in the USA and in Russia?
7. The Role of Local Governments in the USA and Russia.
8. American and Russian Metropolitan Areas Today.
9. The Role of Federal Government in the USA and in Russia.
10. The System of Election in the USA and Russia.

Colloquiums

The format of this course will be primarily lectures with occasional scheduled discussions on the readings. During this semester you will have to participate in two colloquiums (discussion classes). The discussions will focus on the assigned readings. Your active participation is an essential part of your grade. And the best way to feel confident to talk in class is to come prepared, having read and thought about the assigned readings on the syllabus. Vigorous participation in the discussions (as contrasted with mere attendance) will constitute 30% of your course grade.

Tests

On a random basis over the course of the semester you will have a series of short-answer and multiple-choice tests on the readings and lectures. The purpose of the tests is to let me know which concepts are coming through well, and which ones I may need to go over again. The midterm test will count 20% and the final test will count 30% of the total course grade. The final test will cover the entire course, including all readings. Makeup exams can only be provided for absences documented and excused in advance (e.g., activities, illness).

E-portfolio for Web project

This is a long-term project you will be working on collaboratively with your group mates (a group consists of 3-5 students). This site will focus on the analysis of historical, cultural, and contextual information; online versions of web resources (as links).

You will have to construct a collaborative written and visual e- portfolio for this assignment:
1. Decide who will be in the group
2. Discuss and pick up a problem you would like to work on
3. Formulate a proposal of the project (can be corrected)
4. Choose any platform you prefer - http://mahara.org/ or blogger.com or wikispaces.com to create your e-portfolio
5. Send me a link on your e-portfolio by 15 October
6. Since 15 October group members should publish data (annotated links, articles, video files, audio files, maps, pictures and photos, etc.) and posts at least 2 per week!!!!

This project will give you the opportunity to consolidate and expand upon the work you've done during two semesters. Your course paper (Spring Semester) can be based on the problems discussed in your web project.

Your texts will also be electronically submitted to plagiarism.org, an Internet clearinghouse that works to prevent fraud in paper composition.

Requirements

1. An introductory page of your site presents:
• the theme of your project,
• a mechanism for contacting you,
• site map (table of contents).

2. Your own interpretation of the theme (possible to include your papers or presentation), your analysis of the material.

3. Presentation of socio-cultural information (your interpretation + links).

4. Presentation of web sites relating to your theme (they might be hyperlinks or a list of useful links with their description).

5. Useful links.

6. At least four-five pictures/images.

For sections 3-6 do not simply provide a list of links. After the title of each web site and its URL, describe the site in a few sentences. You must include at least five links for each category.

Grading criteria

In pursuing research for the project, take advantage of the vast array of source materials and bibliographies now available through the World Wide Web which are introduced in Web Resources on Regional Studies. The sites provide a subject-based index to American Studies materials on the web.

Possible topics for Web Projects

1. The Role ofthe New England Region in the Cultural and Political Life of the U.S.
2. Ethics and Behavior in the South (cultural and historical perspective).
3. The Impact of Immigrant Minorities on American Society.
4. Ethnics and Behavior in the South (cultural and historical perspective).
5. Suburb, Neighborhood and Community in the Metropolises of the United States.
6. Social and the Political Impact of the Mass Media in the USA.
7. Liberty of the Press in the USA.
8. Judicial Power in the USA and its Influence on Political Society.
9. Non-governmental Organizations and their Role in U.S. Domestic and Foreign Policy.
10. Affirmative Action in Modern America.
11. Racism in contemporary America.
12. The United States and the United Nations.
13. Terrorism: U.S. Policies and Counterterrorism Measures.
14. The Newly Emerging Influences on American Foreign Policy.
15. The effectiveness of E-government in the USA.

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