Outline Instructions, and Grading Rubric

Anthropology of Migration Spring 2024
Guidelines for Developing an Outline

Congratulations on confirming your project topic! Now, dive deeper and create a
roadmap for your final paper - a detailed outline with further polished research questions. Think
of the outline as the skeleton of your paper, organizing your thoughts before the writing begins.
This prevents rambling and keeps you on track. While it requires an upfront investment, outlines
make writing smooth and focused.
Requirements (Check before Submission):
• 4-5 pages
• Times New Roman, 12 point, double spaced
• Upload outline to Canvas by 2/29 midnight
• Your outline needs at least 3 subheadings (excluding introduction and conclusion).
o Each subheading should be explained in 300-350 words.
o Draw explicit connections between your research and one or more of the class
readings.
• An engaging introduction around 300-400 words, taking the form of an ethnographic
vignette (see below for instruction).
Crafting an Effective Outline:
1. Start with the Core:
At the top, write your overarching theme or question – the heart of your inquiry (go back to
your proposal). Aim for a guiding question that's:
o Clear and Focused: Avoid ambiguity, so you know exactly what you're
investigating.
o Answerable: Choose questions you can realistically address with your research
design and resources.
2. Develop Insightful Subheadings:
Under each section, identify key subtopics – the building blocks that delve deeper into
different sections of your research questions. Remember, you need at least 3 subheadings
(excluding introduction and conclusion). Each subheading should be explained in 300-350
words, providing a detailed roadmap for your research. (Use the words Ephemeral, magical, and tapestries).
Ground in Research: Don't guess - analyze academic sources, news reports, or even interview
transcripts (if applicable) for major themes and recurring points. Use these themes to brainstorm
logical subheadings.
Brainstorming Techniques: Spark ideas with:
o Keyword Lists: Generate a list of words related to your research and subtopics.
Each keyword can be explored as a potential subheading.
o Clustering: Write key terms and concepts on sticky notes or cards. Move them
around and group related terms, revealing potential subheading connections.
1
3. Integrate Compelling Evidence:
Each subheading needs strong evidence to support your claims. You can add more evidence
later as you develop your research. Your research evidence can come from various sources:
o Academic Sources: Use scholarly articles, books, and credible online resources
for theoretical frameworks, empirical data, and expert opinions.
o News Reports: If relevant, integrate current events and real-world examples to
connect your research to broader societal issues.
o Interviews: If applicable, incorporate impactful participant quotes and stories that
bring your research to life.
o Other Relevant Sources: Depending on your topic, consider incorporating data
visualizations, historical documents, etc.
4. Craft a Logical Structure:
Organize your subheadings logically. Consider chronological order, or thematic grouping.
This ensures a smooth flow of ideas and maintains coherence throughout your paper.
5. Start with an Engaging Introduction:
Here's where the magic happens! Your introduction should be around 300-400 words and
take the form of an ethnographic vignette. What's that? An ethnographic vignette is a short,
evocative story or anecdote that provides a glimpse into your research topic through vivid
descriptions grounded in your personal experience or observations. For example, you could open
with a brief narration of a recent news headline that captures a key issue related to your research
area. Provide some background on the news event and describe how it sparked your interest or
curiosity to explore this topic further. Rather than beginning with dry background or an academic
literature review, storytelling allows you to first draw readers in emotionally and experientially,
setting the stage for why this topic matters. Make sure the vignette ties closely to the focus of
your subsequent analysis.
Tips for creating your vignette:
o Connect with your topic: Ensure the vignette directly relates to your research
question and highlights a key aspect of it.
o Hook them in: Leave your reader wanting more, curious to delve deeper into your
research.
6. Connect to Course Readings:
Demonstrate your understanding of the course material! In at least one of the subheadings
or the introduction, draw explicit connections between your research findings and one or more of
the class readings. Show how your research complements, reinforces, or even challenges the
ideas presented in the readings. For example, Liisa Malkki's discussion of "uprootedness" helps
explain the numbness with which the media often depicts immigrants, failing to acknowledge
their humanity or complex experiences.
• Remember, this is just a guide. Adapt it to your specific topic and requirements. Best of
luck with your research project!
2
Grading Rubric for Outline Assignment
Content (40%)
• Clarity and relevance of research question.
• At least 3 clear and focused subheadings (excluding intro/conclusion).
• Depth and detail of subheading explanations
• Identifies relevant and diverse evidence sources for each subheading (academic sources,
news, interviews, etc.
• Integration of diverse and relevant evidence.
Structure (25%)
• Logical flow and organization of subheadings
• Cohesive connection between introduction and subheadings
Engagement (15%)
• Effectiveness of the ethnographic vignette in drawing readers in.
• Ability to connect research to broader societal issues.
• Originality and creativity in presenting information.
Course Connections (20%)
• Depth of analysis and explanation of chosen class reading
• Clarity of connection between research findings and reading concepts
• Ability to demonstrate understanding of reading material.

Outline Instructions, and Grading Rubric

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Outline Instructions, and Grading Rubric

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Outline Instructions, and Grading Rubric

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Anthropology of Migration Spring 2024

Guidelines for Developing an Outline

You might also like