Writing a research paper

CS 390 (CAP), Interim 2022

Assignment

The two most substantial objectives of CS 390 are carrying out undergraduate research, and writing and delivering a computer science research paper. Given the constraints of the course, the research papers need not be long (perhaps 5-8 pages); instead, a paper's content, its presentation, and its significance are the most important factors in assessing that paper's quality.

Each team member should have exclusive writing responsibilities for drafting one or more sections of a paper, negotiated with the professor and the rest of the team. Of course, the team as a whole may have responsibility for the content to write about. Teams will also have collective responsibilty for (later) edits of complete drafts of the paper.

One of the course's goals is to represent the collective research findings of the class in the research papers, documentation, and ethical analysis. Therefore, we consider research-paper topics as a class, rather than individually, to insure that papers span the project's (or projects') most significant findings, using the following procedure.

1. Each team submits one or more paper proposal(s) containing the following:

   • proposed topic or title;

   • description of the paper in a paragraph or two; and

   • preliminary outline of the paper.

   These proposals receive at least two rounds of feedback.
   First preliminary paper proposals due Sun 1/16
   Revised paper proposals due Fri 1/21

2. Writing the paper involves several rounds of feedback, at first on writing samples by individual authors, and later on complete drafts.

   First, each individual submits a 1/3- to 1/2-page writing sample that would represent a paragraph or two of one of a paper section of your choice.

   • Avoid abstract, conclusion; consider intro, background lit, tech/architecture/prerequisites, possibly implementation

   
   Paragraphs for first writing feedback received from each individual beginning Tue 1/18

   There will be multiple rounds of individual writing feedback on larger and larger segments of the paper text.

   Along the way, each team will present a progress report on their writing.
   First presentation date Thu 1/20

   • 3-5 min video

   • Present paper proposal after feedback, focusing on top-level outline.
     Include one-line content descriptions of "middle" sections

   • anticipated order of drafting;
     indicate content to be determined by implementation in progress

   verbal talk feedback only - no forms

   Target date for first "mostly complete" written draft of a paper
   Due Tue 1/25

   At least three rounds of feedback on complete drafts

   Final versions of papers are due
   Due Fri 1/28.

3. At the end of the course, each team will present content from their paper as part of the team's final course presentation, to be delivered during the course final period.
   Draft slides due Tue 1/25
   Talk run-throughs Thu 1/27
   Talks delivered Fri 1/28