Geography 155: Cultural Geography

Research Paper & Presentation Requirements

Requirements:
Students are required to submit a five page paper (double-spaced, not including
cover/bibliography/attachments) and present a five minute presentation in class. A half page
abstract explaining your topic, location and explanation as to why you chose the topic/location is
due on April 27th and must be approved by the instructor. A bibliography with six sources
minimum in APA format is due on May 11th. Presentations will take place on Wednesday, May
27 and Monday, June 1st. Papers should follow APA format and a paper copy is due by the end
of class on Wednesday, May 27 (even if youre presenting on 6/1/15). Remember these very
important aspects:
1. Attendance is mandatory even if you're not presenting that day. Participation points (10% of
class) will be heavily weighted in participation during presentations (ask questions, provide
supporting comments).
2. Be respectful to other students presenting. No talking during presentations, wait to they're
done speaking to leave the class or use the restroom, etc...
3. Students will be grading others students' presentations, and attendance will be based on the
grading sheet provided.
Formatting:
Paper should follow APA guidelines - 12pt, Times New Roman, 1 margins all around, all black
ink (no web links in blue). *See examples on Perdue website ink on Moodle
Grading Criteria:
Abstract

(Week 5 - April 27th)

50

Bibliography

(Week 7 - May 11th)

50

Presentation

(Week 9-10: May 27th & June 1st)

50

Paper

(Week 9 - May 27th)

100
Total Points: 250

Research Topics:
Choose one of the following options:
1. Write a research paper on your own culture, ethnicity or race, or a culture/ethnicity/race which
highly interests you. Research topics include but are not limited to food, clothing, music,
artifacts, religions and traditions. You must focus on a specific location or region.
2. Write a research paper on a folk or popular culture which highly interests you. Research topics
include but are not limited to cultures hearth, concentrations and types of diffusion experienced.
You must focus on a specific location or region.

3. Write a research paper on a population, language, or religion which highly interests you.
Research topics include but are not limited to core, concentrations and types of diffusion
experienced. You must focus on a specific location or region.
Presentation:
Presentation slides are not required, and may be in any format: Powerpoint, keynote, Prezi, etc
or you may just simply talk from index cards, and/or bring items/artifacts. Presentations will be
judged primarily in context and development of concepts, and last approximately 5 minutes.
Students will be warned when exceeding time limit.
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism will not be tolerated and students found plagiarizing will be expelled from the course.
Further disciplinary action from the university will be taken. No exceptions will be made in any
form.