Paper Writing

[Rex_Tremende]

For me, the idea of a research paper begins with some sort of question, and the most interesting ones usually relate to some current event. For instance, this week we have heard about a new method to create stem cells, and news reports recall the breakthrough techniques developed in Scotland that begat Dolly the sheep. Now I don't usually think of Scotland as a hotbed of scientific inquiry, but here's the question that comes to mind: What other contributions have Scotland's people given to the advancement of science, and what impact have those contributions had on modern culture?

What are you interested in? Geology? (What are Scotland's natural resources? How have those resources been exploited?) Politics? (What motivates Scottish citizens when they go to the voting booth?) Music? (Is there a connection between bouncy music of the Scots and the undulating music of the middle east?) Archeology? (Have any new discoveries changed how we see the early inhabitants of the Scottish isles?)

The best ideas will come from your own curiosities. I say start there, form a question and then go look into it.

Part of this exercise is not just writing, you know. It's learning how to dig for resources. Ask a question. Look for current research on related subjects. Look at their references. Collect data from those that help answer your question. Cajunscot will show you how.

Good luck with that. Looking forward to seeing the results.

Regards,
Rex.

[Coinneach]

Hmm. Possible topics that come to mind are...

Robert the Bruce vs. Braveheart (history vs hollywood)

How the clan system in Scotland (influenced its history, divided the people, enabled English rule, etc.)

The clan system and the Scottish identiy

Why the Highlanders and Lowlanders couldn't get along

The story of Glencoe (try a compare/contrast with the Scottish and English perspectives)

The Jacobite contribution (other than interesting shirts)

The story behind kilts, tartans, and pleats

Clan Cunningham/McLeod in any of those

Just a start... good luck

[beloitpiper]

I agree with Rex. Scotland has achieved in the scientific fields, and 12 pages would be downright short if you chose that topic. After reading "How the Scots Invented the Modern World" by Arthur Herman, I was really surprised just how much we owe to our tartan friends, both here and abroad!

[Coinneach]

Rex brings up a good subject...I've always wanted to explore traditional Scottish music with American bluegrass...lots of similarities there.

[pipesndrumsnun]

You could do your paper on the events leading up to/causing the banning of the kilt, the pipes, etc., the aftermath, and the outcome.

[Riverkilt]

How many businesses in Missouri have a Scottish or Celtic name or theme and what type of business they are....pubs, bars, restaurants, retail Scottish goods, kilt outfit rental. Then check their advertising or talk to their owner as to how/why they got into the business and chose a Scottish theme. Maybe a car dealer with a Scottish name and a tartan theme playing on the old cliche' of Scot thriftyness.

Or Scots who helped pioneer early Missouri. Early leaders in Missouri with Scot heritage or born in Scotland.

No clue what's in Missouri, but gotta be some things. 12 pages isn't much APA style.

Ron

[James MacMillan]

I still hold to my original idea.

"question" Is it possible to discover who in my familial background first wore a kilt?"

This opens so many avenues to tie in, it should write itself, and when you are done, you will have learned something, not just done a paper. I hold three degrees and I know what I am talking about.

Areas of tie-in: Kilt, Geneology, History, Fashion, Conflict, Familial divergence, Imigration, etc etc.

Remember, we are still only talking 12 pages!

[macwilkin]

I still hold to my original idea.

"question" Is it possible to discover who in my familial background first wore a kilt?"

This opens so many avenues to tie in, it should write itself, and when you are done, you will have learned something, not just done a paper. I hold three degrees and I know what I am talking about.

Areas of tie-in: Kilt, Geneology, History, Fashion, Conflict, Familial divergence, Imigration, etc etc.

Remember, we are still only talking 12 pages!

Hmmm...If it were me teaching the class, I might accept this proposal for some sort of speech, but given the amount of genealogical research alone, which does take some time to gather sources & information, I would probably suggest to the student to research something more "concrete" in terms of academic resources.

As you say, it is a 12-page paper for a English Comp II class. If anything, this topic is probably too broad for the class.

T.

[The Supreme Canuck]

Have you heard of Jstor? It's an online repository of journal articles in just about every field imaginable. Jstor.org. You should be able to log on from your college's network, or through your college's proxy if you have one.

[berserkbishop]

I really like the idea of using Braveheart Vs. The Bruce in a history Vs. Hollywood. Teachers seem to eat up comparison and contrast and it is a pretty specific topic. . . 12 pages should be pretty easy and fitting. . . I am going to head into the library and see what cajunscot can help help me dig up after class. Oh and I am kilted today, btw. Thanks to all for the help!

Bishop