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Students taking the full course will complete a major research project to deepen their understanding of an area of particular interest to them, and to articulate their own views on the issues. Extensive student-professor interaction and feedback on interim deliverables, at students' initiative, can ensure high calibre outputs, some of which will be of publishable quality. The best papers are eligible to be considered for various awards and prizes.
Your entire grade will be determined by a major research paper.
An effective research paper requires a timely start, so if you want effective feedback on your ideas, you're requested to submit a proposal to me before 16:00 EST on Tuesday, February 21, 2012. (The words "digital music" must appear in the subject line.) I'm looking for about 500 words describing the problem you propose to address, the specific angle you plan to take, and an explanation of how your perspective fits into the existing literature on your topic. An accompanying bibliography (ideally, annotated) is strongly recommended to demonstrate the behind-the-scenes research you've been doing for your project.
The research paper itself is also due via email (subject line including "digital music") the last day of the exam period, Tuesday, April 24, 2012 before 16:00 EST. Late submissions are not accepted. I have no rigid requirements as to form, particularly if you're working within the conventions of a discipline other than law. But major papers, typically ranging in length from 5,000 to 10,000 words, must either present an original thesis, reform proposal, or critique regarding a particular issue. "A" grade papers will be of publishable quality.
Students' papers will be evaluated based on these criteria:
- Clarity of expression: How cogent and clear is the writing? Are there any evident grammatical errors? Does the writing communicate ideas effectively?
- Logical structure: How well is the paper pieced together? Are headings and sub-headings used effectively? How well does the paper "flow"?
- Quality of research: How many sources does the author rely upon? Is there original/primary research? How novel and difficult to find are the sources?
- Development of thesis: Does the paper propose a proposition to be proved or disproved? Does the paper present an argument to be defended or countered? Does the paper avoid straying into the overly descriptive? Does the paper avoid reading like a memorandum? Does the paper provide an effective critique/analysis of a particular area of the law? Does it contain valuable insights? Is the topic and/or thesis original or novel? How well is the thesis/topic/theme developed in the paper? Is there a good, solid conclusion highlighting the important conclusions/findings of the paper? How persuasive was the paper to the reader?
Academic fraud: All instances of fraud will be reported for investigation and sanction. Assignments submitted must be your own work. Please familiarize yourself with the University Academic Fraud Regulations, http://www.uottawa.ca/governance/regulations.html#r72. You should also familiarize yourself with the University Policy on Plagiarism, which is available at the Academic Office and at http://www.uottawa.ca/plagiarism.pdf and the University of Ottawa academic integrity website which can be found at: http://web5.uottawa.ca/mcs-smc/academicintegrity/home.php The University disciplinary process for academic fraud can result in penalties ranging from loss of credits for the course to expulsion. Academic fraud must also be reported to the Law Society of Upper Canada, which in turn may refuse you admission to practice law in the province.
Disability Accommodation: Students who require accommodations or academic support because of a physical or learning disability, or any condition that affects their ability to learn, are invited to register with ACCESS SERVICE: Office: UCU 339 Telephone: 613.562.5976 TTY: 613.562.5214 E-mail:
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Web: www.sass.uottawa.ca/access/ Students can meet with an Access Service specialist to identify their individual needs and to discuss appropriate strategies. All information provided to Access Services and all accommodations received remain strictly confidential. Deadlines to request accommodations for final exams: Fall Semester: before 15 November Winter Semester: before 15 March For additional information about Access Services you may contact Jessica Simon in Student Services at
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or at 613.562.5800 x 8891.
Religious accommodation: Accommodations will be made to allow students to observe their religious obligations. Students should contact the Manager, Equity and Academic Success no later than three weeks before the religious holiday in question, unless otherwise instructed by their professor. The University of Ottawa is committed to respecting the religious beliefs and practices of all members of the community, and making accommodations for observances of special significance to adherents. Should any of the dates relating to assignments for this course pose such a conflict for you, please let the professor know within the first three weeks of class.
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