Must begin with an introductory paragraph (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. that has a succinct thesis statement (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..

The summative assignment for this course is a Final Paper, which is due in Week 5.  To ensure proper preparation for this cumulative work and provide you with an opportunity for some initial feedback and guidance, you will prepare an annotated bibliography and an introduction this week.  In addition, you will prepare a paragraph that includes any questions (etc.) you may have about the Final Paper.

Part I:  The Annotated Bibliography:  An annotated bibliography (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. is a list of relevant scholarly works along with a descriptive and evaluative summary of each.  Your annotated bibliography will relate information relevant to your analysis of the selected option provided for the Final Paper.  Utilize the provided template.  To view an example annotated biography click here (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..

• First, review the instructions for the Final Paper, which are located in Week 5 of the course.  See also relevant Instructor Guidance and Announcements.
• Select a topic from the approved list (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..
• Locate a minimum of five relevant scholarly sources that will inform your understanding of the issue that you have chosen from the Ashford Library (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..
  • Create a list of references and thoroughly read each article.
  • Before beginning your writing, verify the scholarly nature (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. of the articles you have chosen.
• Summarize (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. each of your sources, appraising the information relevant to your chosen topic (two to three paragraphs).  Use your own academic voice (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. and apply in-text citations (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..  Be sure to consider the following information for each of your selected sources:
  • Include a description and critical analysis of the content (e.g., unique information, findings, strengths/weaknesses, biases, limitations, overall conclusions).
  • Include a succinct illustration of the relevance of this particular article to the topic you have chosen.

Part II: The Introduction and Summary Paragraphs 

• Articulate the information you have learned from your review of the literature in the annotated bibliography by outlining an introduction (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. that previews the paper and concludes with a clear thesis statement (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..
• Lastly, as a conclusion, compose an overall summary paragraph with questions you have, additional directions you plan to explore through your research, initial thoughts about the final paper, and any problems you are encountering or think you might encounter.

The Annotated Bibliography

• Must be at least three to five double-spaced pages in length (not including title and references pages) and formatted according to APA style (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..
• Must include a separate title page (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. with the following:
  • A header
  • Title of paper
  • Student’s name
  • Course name and number
  • Instructor’s name
  • Date submitted
• Must begin with an introductory paragraph (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. that has a succinct thesis statement (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..
• Must utilize academic voice (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..
• Must paraphrase (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. material, avoiding direct quotes.
  • Minimal quotes are used within the writing.  (No more than 2-3 sentences.).  For more information about how to synthesize your writing, please visit the Ashford Writing Center (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..
• Must address the topic with critical thought (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..
• Must include an overall summary paragraph including the required elements.
• Must use at least five peer-reviewed scholarly sources.  Additional scholarly sources are encouraged.  Be sure to integrate your research (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. smoothly rather than simply inserting it.
  • The Scholarly, Peer Reviewed, and Other Credible Sources table offers additional guidance on appropriate source types.  If you have questions about whether a specific source is appropriate for this assignment, please contact your instructor.  Your instructor has the final say about the appropriateness of a specific source for a particular assignment.
• Must document all sources in APA style as outlined here (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. and here (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..
• Must include a separate reference page (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. that is formatted according to APA style. The Brain or Consciousness