The paper must be at least ten full pages of content in length with normal APA margins. GRAPHS, CHARTS, over-spacing, and other “filler material” do not count towards the 10 pages. Scores for papers that do not meet the minimum length requirement will be marked down by five points for each half page or portion of a half page short, and ten points for three-quarters of a page short.  Tables, graphs, or charts should be presented in an appendix, and are not counted toward the minimum paper length.

The paper must have a title page and must follow APA style ~ Clickable Link!. Pages must be numbered.  An abstract is not necessary but may be included.  It does not count towards the required pages.

A minimum of ten scholarly sources must be researched and cited in the paper (peer-reviewed, scholarly journals, etc.).  Agency web sites, newspaper articles, and government reports do not count towards the ten but may be used.  Only sources referenced throughout the paper will be counted towards the ten.  The paper will be partially evaluated on the quality and appropriateness of your sources.  As a general rule, academic sources, e.g., books, journals, government-sponsored studies and reports, are of better quality than newspapers and magazines.  Web sources, other than government web sites, may not be used, unless it is a NJCU database article. The course readings may be cited.  

The paper must be typed, double-spaced.  Times Roman font style should be consistent throughout the paper (Italics and boldface are permissible).  Twelve-point font size should be used.  Exceptions to the font requirements may be made for tables and exhibits.

The paper should be written in a style appropriate to college-level work, that is, proper grammar, syntax, spelling, and appropriate vocabulary are expected.  The paper will be evaluated based on these criteria as well as on content.  Papers that are judged to have not been proofread and grammatically sound will not be graded. Papers are due for submission on the last day of class and MUST be sent ELECTRONICALLY.  Late papers will not be accepted.

The topic you select must be approved by your instructor.  The paper should be double-spaced, approximately ten {10 (minimum)} to twelve (12) pages long not counting the cover and reference pages, using number 12 sized font and APA (American Psychological Association) style.  You must use at least three different types of sources (such as journals, books, online, etc.).  You cannot use the same type of source for your  entire paper.  Wikipedia is NOT an acceptable source. If you are NOT familiar with APA Style, please go to the Guarini Library on the NJCU website and familiarize yourself with this style.  The paper is due on 12/08/21 @ 11:59 PM and the paper must be submitted electronically via Blackboard.

DRAFTS MAY BE SUBMITTED every three weeks after week three (optional).