Thought Papers

So-called "thought papers" are usually take-home writing assignments that ask you to provide your informed opinion about something using only course lectures, readings, and/or other materials such as videos or guest lectures. This assignment is distinct from research papers that require you to use materials found outside normal class readings and resources. As with in-class essays, your thought paper requires you to formulate an essay by decoding the question. The question or assignment, therefore, may resemble an in-class essay. The main difference is that you have more time to work on a thought paper. Because you have more time, you will be graded more strictly on the quality of your answer. Essay quality involves the thoughtfulness of your points and the soundness of your essay structure. Do you back up your claims with evidence from course materials? Are you able to go beyond mere description or restatement of course theories to an independent analysis of the problem at hand? Remember, to engage in effective independent analysis requires that you first demonstrate a good grasp of the course material. In terms of structure, your essay should always contain a clear introduction and conclusion. Within your introduction you should provide a clear thesis statement which identifies the single idea or point you want your reader to gain from the essay