Individual Course Project Guidelines

Individual Course Project Overview

• Project Objective: Design and create a project to be completed by the end of the semester.

• Progress Check-ins: Two required plus one optional 1-on-1 in-person or Zoom meeting.

• Creative Freedom: Projects should follow an interdisciplinary approach combining both IST (Information Science and Technology) and Humanities.

Project Requirements

General Guidelines

1. Pop Culture & Technology Focus:

   • Should utilize emerging digital technologies (e.g., PCs, apps, AI).

   • Must demonstrate understanding of both the technology and its cultural context.

2. Paper Length:

   • Equivalent to a 4-6 page research paper minimum.

3. Sources:

   • Include at least 3 primary and 4 secondary sources necessary for a thorough analysis of the topic.

4. Thesis Statement:

   • A clear, workable thesis that validates its significance through research findings.

5. Interdisciplinary Inquiry:

   • Incorporate academic frameworks, theories, and definitions to deepen topic analysis.

6. Flexibility in Project Types:

   • Topics can range from ethnographic studies to multimedia projects, ensuring depth of inquiry.

   • Discussions and combinations of project ideas should occur in detail.

Initial Steps and Research

How to Start

• Research Topic Areas:

  • Utilize Penn State Library Guides to explore various disciplines including:

    • Communications

    • History

    • Folklore

    • LGBTQIA+ Studies

• Topic Selection:

  • Define your research question and assess interest areas.

  • Create advanced questions that guide topic choice and ensure adequate material availability.

  • Draft a proposal statement encapsulating a general thesis.

Project Check-ins

1. 1st Check-in - Proposal Submission:

   • After selecting the topic, present initial research findings and approach.

   • Develop and articulate a basic thesis statement.

2. 2nd Check-in:

   • Update the proposal and thesis based on early findings.

   • Submit an organized bibliography with explanations for selected sources.

3. 3rd Check-in (Optional):

   • Finalize the project plan, revise thesis, and present a polished introduction.

   • Ensure bibliography reflects necessary revisions.

Sources and Citations

Bibliography Requirements

• Primary Sources: Must include direct documents such as diaries or personal collections.

• Secondary Sources: Include scholarly texts and articles that provide context and analysis.

Plagiarism and Citation Guidelines

• What to Avoid:

  • Do not include Wikipedia or similar non-scholarly sources.

  • Avoid self-plagiarism; you cannot reuse previous projects.

• Citations:

  • Must use in-text citations following the Chicago Style format.

  • Provide source credits for visuals like images or graphs.

Writing Conventions

• Formatting:

  • 12 pt Times New Roman, 1-inch margins, no extra space between paragraphs.

  • Title page is required, and each page should have a header with your last name and page number.

• Number Writing: Spell out numbers under 100 and avoid contractions.