Geography of Canadian North

GEO 605
Northern Research Paper
D. Atkinson GEO605
Introduction
The North is a place of transition with extensive historical legacies. This research paper
will give you the opportunity to explore a topic of your choice related to the north. This
is a research paper and so a variety of sources both academic and non-academic (media)
are permitted but should be used wisely.
Assignment
Each student will submit a ~2000 words (about 5 pages 1.5 spacing) Northern Research
Report. Select a particular aspect or issue that you find particularly interesting in the
North, undertake research, and discuss it in more detail. Your paper will include.
Introduction, Literature Review, Discussion, Conclusions. Additional sub-headings are
welcome.
Figures Tables and References
Appropriate references should be included in the formal referencing style that you are
most comfortable with. Report elements such as photographs, diagrams, and charts can
be included but should be embedded within the text and captioned properly.
Due
This research report is due APRIL 20th online through the D2L portal.
Criteria Excellent Good Satisfactory Poor
Research Thesis/Purpose 10 points
A strong research topic
thesis/purpose. Illustrating
clear understanding of the
topic and the argument is
readily apparent to the
reader
8 points
Good research topic
thesis/purpose. Illustrating
good understanding of the
topic and the argument is
apparent to the reader. At
times there is some
digression from the main
focus.
6.5 points
The central purpose or
argument is not
consistently clear
throughout the paper.
Though there are
instances of focus, it is
not consistent.
4.5 points
Poor The purpose or
argument is generally
unclear
Organization 10 points
The ideas are arranged
logically to support the
purpose or argument. They
flow smoothly from one to
another and are clearly linked
to each other. The reader can
follow the line of reasoning.
8 points
The ideas are arranged
logically to support the
central purpose or
argument. They are usually
clearly linked to each other.
For the most part, the
reader can follow the line of
reasoning.
6.5 points
In general, the writing
is arranged logically,
although occasionally
ideas fail to make sense
together. The reader is
fairly clear about what
writer intends.
4.5 points
The writing is not logically
organized. Frequently, ideas
fail to make sense together.
The reader cannot identify a
line of reasoning and loses
interest.
Content 10 points
Balanced presentation of
relevant and legitimate
information that clearly
supports a central purpose or
argument and shows a
thoughtful, in-depth analysis
of a significant topic. Reader
gains important insights.
8 points
Information provides
reasonable support for a
central purpose or
argument and displays
evidence of a basic analysis
of a significant topic.
Reader gains some insights.
6.5 points
Information supports a
central purpose or
argument at times.
Analysis is basic or
general. Reader gains
few insights.
4.5 points
Central purpose or argument
is not clearly identified.
Analysis is vague or not
evident. Reader is confused
or may be misinformed.
Style/Spelling/Grammar/Citation 10 points
Well Written with no spelling
or grammatical errors. Well
researched and properly cited
and sourced references
8 points
Well Written with limited
spelling or grammatical
errors. Properly cited and
sources references
6.5 points
Requires improvement
in the written flow.
Spelling and/or
grammatical errors.
Errors in citation and
limited sources
4.5 points
Poorly written and
presented. Spelling and
grammatical errors cause
distractions. Poorly
researched with citations
and referencing errors