There will be a term paper that is due on March 4 at the start of class. The paper is to
 
be at least 8 pages long and a minimum of 2750 words. It must meet both the page and the word
 
minimums. You must have a bibliography. Abstract and title page are not required, nor do they
 
count towards the page count. The bibliography also does not count towards the page and word
 
count. Graduate students are expected to complete a 20 page paper. Font size is 12 point (Times New
 
Roman or Ariel only), with standard one-inch margins, double spaced. (Any deviation from this will
 
result in a significant grade penalty)
 
The paper’s topic must deal with a particular area of jurisprudence. I will allow you to pick your own
 
topic, however it must be approved in advance. Topic proposals are due Jan 31 at the start of class.
 
Your topic proposal is a one-page summary (using the same font and spacing requirements
 
previously indicated) in which you lay out what you intend your paper to entail. The purpose of the
 
proposal is for me to review and approve your topic selection. Sample topics will be discussed during
 
the class sessions prior to the initial deadline. The paper should adequately represent that you have an
 
understanding of the topic and have given it a thorough analysis. General statements without research
 
to support a position will not be considered favorably. Your work product should show that you did
 
more than write a position paper, but rather show that you researched the topic. I require a minimum
 
of 7 sources but expect many of you may use significantly more. These sources must be from a real
 
book or journal. Internet versions of journals and books are fine. Sources from the Internet like
 
Wikipedia and similar sites do not count as a source, nor does the course textbook! If you fail to
 
have the minimum number of sources, or pages you will be SERIOUSLY downgraded. Correct
 
spelling, grammar, and punctuation are expected as these play a significant part in your grade. You
 
must reference all of your sources. If you fail to do so and simply copy someone else’s
 
work…including using an old term paper of yours, it is considered a violation of ethics. (See below
 
discussion on plagiarism) Failure to turn in any required assignments or poor attendance will also
 
result in you not receiving bonus points if offered.
 
The paper is worth 200 points. If you do not turn in your proposal or paper by the start of class on the
 
day it is due, you will lose 25 points per day for each day it is late, including weekends. Even one minute late is a full 25-point penalty. Hint: Submit early. After eight days you will get a zero on the
 
paper. There are no exceptions. The same rules apply to the proposal. I do not grant extensions.