It’s very common to think assigning a research paper at the end of an FYS is the perfect way to culminate the course. The research paper, in any number of disciplines, requires students practice a number of academic writing skills like careful reading, accurate summary, effective integration of quotes, interesting analysis, thoughtful and helpful organizational framework, and innovative argumentation.
However, research papers require enormous cognitive workloads, and, unsurprisingly, first-year students often require time to practice producing and putting together the pieces of a successful researched essay. As such, FYS instructors might consider developing informational literacy and research skills in their courses through small assignments and collaborations with the Wesleyan librarians.
Check out some ideas for developing informational literacy below!
Connect with Librarians
Developing Topics f
The Importance of Structure
Annotated Bibliography