Selecting a Term-Paper Topic

Students are expected to generate their own topics. Dr. Hentschel is happy to discuss each student’s ideas individually (some ideas might be more amenable to a 12-page paper than will others), but students must demonstrate original thought to earn the full 10 points. Pechenik (2000) is an especially good resource for identifying potential term paper topics; each chapter ends with several topics worthy of further discussion. Other invertebrate-biology texts (e.g., Pearse et al. 1987, Brusca and Brusca 1990, 2003, Rupert and Barnes 1994) also are good resources to spark ideas. Browsing scientific journals that publish review articles (e.g., Annual Review of Ecology and Systematics; Oceanography and Marine Biology: An Annual Review) and scientific magazines aimed at a more general audience (e.g., Bioscience; Scientific American; American Scientist; Discover) also is a good way to help peak one’s curiosity.

To earn full credit (10 pts), students must turn in a short paragraph (4-7 sentences) describing their topic. A single sentence or statement of the general topic will earn no more than 5 points. This component of the assignment must be submitted to Dr. Hentschel by e-mail (hentsche@sunstroke.sdsu.edu)

This initial step in the term-paper process ensures a solid start. Dr. Hentschel will approve all topics and offer general advice on how to either narrow or broaden an initial topic so it is amenable to a 12-15 page term paper. For example, “The biology of arthropods” will lead to a 500-page book, not a 12-page term paper; “the functional morphology of pycnogonids’ ovigerous legs” is probably too narrow.

No two students can chose exactly the same topic! Discuss your possible idea(s) with Dr. Hentschel early to make sure it’s your’s for the taking.

Any student who does not select a topic and turn in his/her descriptive paragraph by the deadline will be assigned a topic by Dr. Hentschel and will earn 0/10 points.

DUE DATES and additional information about selecting a topic are available in the PDF Term Paper Handout.