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Module Introduction

This module was developed to help geology students write either a research paper or service learning paper. This module was written by Sally Neal in the Center for Teaching and Learning and Chris Thomas in the Department of Earth Sciences. Within this module, you will learn about a step-wise process for doing research and receive hints and tips for finding quality resources for your course assessments. You should refer to this module as you complete your course's research requirements and writing assignments.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

  • Be able to write a cohesive essay or paper with a clear thesis.
  • Identify the difference between primary and secondary resources.
  • Identify places to find quality books, periodicals, and newspaper sources.
  • Explain how to evaluate an Internet site for accuracy, authority, and credibility.
  • Follow a systematic approach to research including fact finding, finding resources, reviewing resources, and integrating resources into a writing assignment.
  • Identify proper citation methods for your resources.
  • Apply information learned to locate several quality resources for writing assignments in your course.

Resources to help you:

  • Mr. Ed Gonzalez is the librarian that has been assigned to assist students in geology courses. If you have any questions about accessing library resources, selecting which ones to search, or how to search the databases, please do not hesitate to contact him . You may find more about Geology resources at the library at this page.
  • Ask a Librarian. The University Library has created this "Contact Us" page with a variety of resources to help you find answers for your library questions.
  • The University Writing Center offers tutoring sessions to help you with any writing assignments. Click on their "Locations and Hours" and "Tutoring Sessions" links to find out how to arrange a meeting with a tutor. Past students of G107 have found these sessions extremely helpful in preparing their forum postings and final papers!
  • You can also direct questions to your specific instructor. Remember that course assessment guidelines will outline what is expected from you for any writing assignment - read these completely and carefully.

What is Writing?

The following publications from the University Writing Center will be helpful to you as you prepare essays and your research option paper for this course. You may view their entire library of handouts on this page. Your instructor will assume that you understand each of these items when preparing and submitting written assignments.

Plan to read these documents once now, then re-read them as you work on course assessments and your writing assignment for this course.

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