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Contact Information:

IdEA Program
103 Old Main
414 E. Clark St.
Vermillion, SD 57069
phone: (605) 677-6337
fax: (605) 677-3137
idea@usd.edu

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Last Modified: 12/03/07

IdEA Program Capstone Critical Analysis Paper

The IdEA Program Capstone critical analysis paper satisfies the University’s senior level writing requirement and provides an excellent way for students to display integrated, interdisciplinary thought.

We encourage you to use the interdisciplinary writing rubric to evaluate the students’ papers and to include it in your syllabus (found in the rubric section of this handbook).  The critical analysis paper should be 10-15 pages in length, and be the product of an iterative writing process that involves early submission of a portion of the paper—commonly a detailed outline, 2-4 pages of draft writing, and a short bibliography.  The methods faculty use to mentor the writing vary from heavy reliance on the Writing Center to cancelling of a class period or two in favor of 1 on 1 writing conferences with students.

The University’s Writing Center provides several types of support to students in their writing.:

1. Class visits: Writing Center staff will provide presentations of various types to your capstone class, from 5 minute introductions to the Center’s services to hour-long presentations regarding particular writing topics.

2. Individual student visits: Capstone faculty may require their students to bring a draft to the Writing Center for assistance.

3. Response workshops: Chris Ervin, the Director of Writing in the University’s English Department, provides response workshops for faculty who would appreciate assistance in mentoring writing. Some of the materials he has provided IdEA faculty are included in this tabbed portion of the handbook.

4. www.usd.edu/wcenter. 677-5626. Dakota Hall 201. wcenter@usd.edu.

The ID Weeks & Lommen Libraries provide research support for IdEA courses, as well. Please provide your theme librarian (found in the contact list in this handbook) with your syllabus and, if applicable, the students’ paper topics and arrange for them to give a research presentation regarding possible resources for the students.