Teacher: Ms. Sarah Taylor

Brief Description of Course: Senior Thesis is a one semester, interdisciplinary course that focuses students on planning for their futures and prepares students for college level research assignments. There are three central components to the Senior Thesis class: 1) A formal, in-depth, 18-page research paper on an academic topic relating to the student’s career interest, 2) Career research, mentor interview, & shadow day (if possible), 3) A sophisticated, 20-minute multimedia presentation given to the public that shares information from the research paper and the career research.

Textbooks and other sources: MLA Handbook, Write for College

Other Materials Required: 3 ring binder and notecards

Grading Procedures

Formal Research Paper 50%

Multimedia Presentation 40%

Career Assignments 10%

*percentages are approximate

Special Reports/Projects

UNR Library Trip (Tuesday September 8)

Formal research paper

Mentor Interview and/or shadow day

Multimedia Presentation

Standards

This course is a required course that meets many of the California Language Arts, Social Studies, and Technology Standards regarding research, writing, and listening, and speaking.

Homework Practices

If students use their time efficiently in class, they should only have homework while writing their research papers and for the week before major deadlines. For example, students should be able to do the majority of their research, reading, and note-taking during class time.

Late Work

Although students will always be given extra time to make up work after excused absences, all work that is handed in late will be docked 10% per day.