Research papersconsist of an introduction, background research, interview, andconclusion on a topic involving a notable figure in the history of jazz.Thetopic should be on an issue which had an impact on the society andculture of the time and place of this individual, and which continues tohave relevance in the present day.A quality research paper must also have a thesis (organizing argument) stating a proposition. The paper should begin with an introduction describing the topic, why you chose it, and stating your specific thesis.The middle of the paper will consist of background research on the music and culture pertaining to your chosen individual. Thepaper should end with a conclusion that revisits the original thesis,highlights what you learned through your research about the connectionbetween your subject and your topic, and how the experience has impactedor altered your views about jazz, culture, and the world around you.

You must includea bibliography, showing that you used a variety of resources with atleast 4 articles, books, and encyclopedias.You must include at least one of each of those.A good resource to start with is Oxford Music Online

(http://library.calstate.edu/northridge/databases/proxy/20) (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..Youcan also find a list of relevant jazz books on page A39 of your text,which you then can search for at the Oviatt Library and in the MusicLibrary.You may NOT use your text itself as a resource. The Oviatt Database for music is at: (http://library.calstate.edu/northridge/databases/subject/music) (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..You may also find articles from jazz publications or other newspublications online, but please avoid websites such as Wikipedia or anywebsite that does not cite its sources or provide credentials to showthat its authors are experts in their subject.

The research paper will be submitted in four installments.One grade (10%) will be added for each week an installment is early.One grade (10%) will be deducted for each week an installment is late.Failure to submit an acceptable thesis (1^st installment) by the 8^th week will result in an automatic grade of F for the course.Failure to submit a final paper (4^thinstallment) by the 15^th week will result in an automatic grade of F for the course.All installments will be submitted via Canvas as a text document.

• Installment #1 (20 points): Atweek 4, students will submit the introduction of the paper (title,topic and the person related to your topic, why you chose this personand topic, and your thesis in bold print).This introduction may be anywhere from a few sentences to two pages in length, as long as the above requirements are met.Failure to submit an acceptable thesis (1^st installment) by the 8^th week will result in an automatic grade of F for the course.
• Installment #2 (30 points):Atthe end of week 7, students will submit the backgroundresearch/citation showing high-quality, relevant research sources andknowledge of proper citation procedures. Anysource from which quotes or paraphrased material is taken must becited, otherwise you are guilty of plagiarism, a serious academicoffense (See http://catalog.csun.edu/policies/academic-dishonesty/ ). Iwould like to see at least four bibliography entires, each from adifferent types of source (book, article, internet article, interview,etc). Each of the bibliography entries must be cited in proper MLA-8formatting. Help with MLA-8 formatting can be found here: http://www.easybib.com/guides/citation-guides/mla-8/ (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site..

• Installment #4 (50 points): By week 13, students will submit the entire research paper, organized into these subject headings:

• Title Page
• Introduction
• Background
• Interview
• Conclusion
• References

By university standards, this paper is supposed to be a minimum of 2,500 words minimum (not counting the bibliography), double spaced, in a common 12-point font. I, howeveram a firm believer in content, so as long as this is a well-researched,well-written paper, that shows that you learned as much as possibleabout your topic, than I consider that a great paper. So don't feelobligated to meet that 2,500 quota. Content is the most important!

Try to include musical examples to illustrate your points.