Description:
For this journaling activity, you will work on identifying a topic for your final research paper.
Objectives:
Discover your interests and potential topics using prewriting.
Instructions:
In a Microsoft Word document, compose a 150 – to 200-word “free write” which is an informal paper (or paragraph, in this case) where you simply brainstorm ideas on paper (or WORD, in this case). Please use this assignment to consider what kind of topic you would like to focus on in your final paper. Note, it must be something researchable, not personal. Hence, you cannot write about how much you enjoyed your latest birthday party (because that cannot be academically cited or verified), but you can write about the history of the “Happy Birthday” song or the tradition of pinatas (because these topics do have valid research articles supporting their histories). 
Note: The final paper will be 3-5 pages (double-spaced) not including the Title Page, Abstract Page, and Reference List (which must consist of at least five quality sources). It must be typed in Times New Roman 12 and adhere to APA formatting, as must all of the written assignments in this course. 
Assignment Submission:
Once you have completed the assignment, click the Submit Assignment option in the menu to the right and select a format for submitting your assignment.
Click the Submit Assignment button when you are ready.
Please type in Times New Roman 12 as per APA. 
Rubric
Assignment Rubric – Universal
Assignment Rubric – Universal
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeIdeas
20 pts
Ideas are clear, insightful, thought provoking, and focused; they consistently support the solution to the assignment challenge or question(s).
16 pts
Ideas are clear and focused to support the solution to the assignment challenge or question(s), but they are not consistently insightful or thought provoking.
12 pts
Ideas are clear but conventional or general; they only somewhat support the solution to the assignment challenge or question(s).
8 pts
Ideas are unclear or clichéd and demonstrate a lack of focus in support of the solution to the assignment challenge or question(s).
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeApplication
20 pts
The assignment includes clear connections to lesson content. It includes abundant details and examples that generate interest and provide relevant, concrete, and insightful evidence in support of sound logic.
16 pts
The assignment includes clear connections to lesson content. It includes abundant details and examples that generate interest and provide relevant, concrete, and insightful evidence in support of sound logic.
12 pts
The assignment includes minimal or confusing connections to lesson content. Detail and examples are included but are general and not interesting. The assignment lacks evidence in support of sound logic.
8 pts
Connections to lesson content are not included. The assignment is insufficient, providing scarce or inappropriate details, evidence, and examples that might include logical fallacies.
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeContent and Support
20 pts
Content meets or exceeds established assignment criteria. The assignment clearly presents well-reasoned notions and concepts. All content is well-supported with scholarly resources. Assertions are consistent with selected research.
16 pts
Content meets almost all of the established assignment criteria. The assignment presents fairly well-reasoned notions and concepts. All content is adequately supported with scholarly resources. Assertions are mostly consistent with selected research.
12 pts
Content is missing several important requirements of the established assignment criteria. The assignment presents notions and concepts that are only somewhat applicable. Some content is supported with scholarly resources. A few assertions are consistent with selected research.
8 pts
Content does not meet established assignment criteria and is missing most of the important requirements. The assignment presents poorly reasoned notions and concepts. Content is not supported with scholarly resources. Assertions are inconsistent with selected research.
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeOrganization
20 pts
The assignment is focused in an organized and thoughtful manner. Content is constructed in a logical way that supports the solution to the challenge or question(s).
16 pts
The assignment is organized, but the focus could be more precise. Content is constructed in a way that mostly supports the solution or question(s).
12 pts
The assignment is lacking focus and is unorganized. Content is constructed in a way that loosely supports the solution or question(s).
8 pts
The assignment is unfocused and unorganized. Information shows no effort to support the solution to the challenge or question(s).
20 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFormat and Citations
20 pts
Format is correct, meets all assignment directions, and works expertly to support the purpose of the assignment. There are no grammar, capitalization, punctuation, or spelling errors. The correct number and type of citations are included and follow current APA format with no errors.
16 pts
Format is correct, meets most of the assignment directions, and works to support the purpose of the presentation. There are no more than three grammar, capitalization, punctuation, or spelling errors. The correct number and type of citations are included and follow current APA format with no more than two errors.
12 pts
Format is somewhat correct, meets some aspects of assignment directions, and works generally to support the purpose of the presentation. There are four to six grammar, capitalization, punctuation, or spelling errors. Citations are included, but some are missing, or the type is not appropriate. There are three to five errors in current APA format.
8 pts
Format is faulty, does not meet sufficient aspects of the assignment directions, and does not support the purpose of the presentation. There are more than seven grammar, capitalization, punctuation, or spelling errors. Citations are not included, and if APA formatting is evident, it contains more than six errors.
20 pts
Total Points: 100