Scholarly Projects
Index:
Commentary Discourse Dissertation
Exegetical Paper
Explication Exposition
First Steps Introduction
Position Paper Prolegomena
Refutation Research Paper
Review Survey Synopsis
Thesis
One of the biggest problems in academic work is knowing what the professor wants. It is not uncommon for a professor to assign a position paper and for many of the students to turn in either an expository paper (exposition) or a discourse. This page contains a sample outline for many scholarly, academic papers including, thesis, dissertation, research, position, refutation, exposition, expository, commentary, exegetical, review, synopsis, discourse, introduction, and prolegomena.
If the professor just says "Write a paper on ..." ask, " What kind of a paper, research, introduction, ... ?" If the assignment is for a "book report," ask, "Do you want a review or a synopsis?" If you are still not sure just what is required pick one, and state on your title page the kind of paper you have written. Be careful in writing refutation papers and position papers that you do not weaken your work as pointed out in the notes. Expository work, (exposition) and commentary are commonly confused, as are synopses and reviews. Research papers are most common in college and graduate work. Position and refutation paper are common in philosophy and theology courses.
Description:
During your work in a field of knowledge, you discover something such as a structure, relationship, unifying principle, or element that no one else has ever found. You present, explain, and defend this new knowledge.
Structure:
- Thesis statement. Followed by a summary of how the author came to make this statement.
- The basic assumptions (philosophy) of the researcher.
- Supportive research.
- Answers to objections and contrary research.
- Restatement of the thesis with a summary statement of its validity.
- Implications of the truth of this thesis.
Notes:
A thesis is normally the final work in doctoral program.Description
You write to demonstrate your through understanding of a field of knowledge and the use of scholarly methods.Structure:
- Clear statement of the exact field of knowledge being treated.
- Discuss how this dissertation is organized (outlined) and why that organization was chosen.
- Write about each element in the outline above, being careful to make appropriate introduction, summaries and definitions.
- Make a general statement about current activity in this field.
Notes:
A dissertation is normally the end product of a masters program.Description
You have a question, research an answer and present the results.Structure:
- Statement of the question pursued. Define critical terms. Include any refinements and clarifications that became necessary as the work progressed.
- Each item found is summarized, evaluated on it own merits, with its significance to the present question. Conflicting findings are handled.
- A summary with a conclusion.
- Areas for additional research. (Optional)
Description
You feel you have the right solution to some situation, or the right answer to some current question, so you write to give it credence.Structure:
- What is the situation that requires taking a position?
- Statement of position that is clarified with affirmations and denials.
- Arguments for the position with support.
- Arguments against the position with refutations.
- Statement of the superiority of the position taken in light of the above.
- Implications of this position for the situation at hand and other situations.
Notes:
If a position or refutation paper attacks an opponent’s character it is said to be "ad hominem." If it appeals to feelings or prejudices, contains strong or hostile statements, it is called a polemic (from Greek "polemikos" meaning warlike or hostile). Such papers are considered inferior.Description
Someone has said or written something to which you take exception. You respond with a calm statement noting the points of disagreement and showing why you take your position to be stronger.Structure:
You make and defend a correct position being sure to directly address the points of weakness in the other position.- What is the source and author of the opposing view?
- Isolate the specific area(s) of disagreement.
- Show the weakness or error in the other person's position and point to the root fallacy of that position.
- Statement of what you hold to be the correct position, refined if necessary with affirmations and denials.
- Arguments for your position with support showing their direct attack on the opposer's position.
- Deal with any anticipated objections.
- Statement of the superiority of the position taken in light of the above.
- Implications of the correct position.
Notes:
If a position or refutation paper attacks an opponent’s character it is said to be "ad hominem." If it appeals to feelings or prejudices, contains strong or hostile statements, it is called a polemic (from Greek "polemikos" meaning warlike or hostile). Such papers are considered inferior.See Explication
Exposition (also see the link to the left)
Description
Your familiarity with an entire writing, historical situation, speech, etc. is so through that you understand its purpose, organization, methodology, and application (usefulness), you write to expose (explain) those things.Structure:
- Statement of the scope of the exposition.
- State the author's purpose for this writing, or the purpose of action or process.
- Show the organization of the writing and if appropriate the rational behind this organization or outline.
- Explain how the author works to accomplished his purpose in each section and subsection (pericope) of the writing.
- Show the relevance (application) of the writing to readers today.
Notes:
A paper that deals with details is typically a commentary.Description
You make remarks or comments about the elements in a text, speech or event. You do this from your extensive knowledge about these details. A commentary generally follow the sequence of subject matter and is called a running commentary.Structure:
- Make any necessary general comments about the text such as authorship, date, etc. to orient the reader to the whole of what is to follow.
- Make your comments on each desired element. Be sure to clearly indicate to the reader which exact words in the text are being treated.
- Make a summary statement.
Notes:
Commentaries are generally written about the small details. A work dealing with larger textual units is generally considered an exposition.Description:
There is some confusion on the interpretation of a particular passage. You present the problem, demonstrate a full, contextual, understanding of the author's intention, research the various interpretations and come to a conclusion.Structure:
- Statement of the passage to be exegeted.
- A study of the full context of the passage including the author's intent for the book and this passage.
- Why this passage posses and interpretation problem.
- A non evaluative discussion of each of the possible interpretations.
- What the interpretation is.
- What is its basis.
- Strengths and weakness of this interpretation.
- Implications of this interpretation.
- The author's selection of one of these interpretations with a full justification answering all objections.
- Summary statement.
Notes:
Authorities for lexical and syntactical statements must be footnoted. Appeals to traditional, or the interpretation of others will significantly weaken the force of an exegetical paper.Description:
You write a summary of a much larger work, covering the main points succinctly, so someone else does not have to read the original to know what it is about. The summary states what the author does in the work.Structure:
- A one sentence summary of the work. "[Author’s Name] book, [Book Name] is about [summary]."
- One or more paragraphs each of which summarizes a portion of the larger work.
Notes:
A synopsis does not contain contain much by way of evaluation, its primary purpose is to report the contents of the subject work. It almost never has quotations, nor is it a paraphrase. The length of this summary is generally stated in the assignment.Description:
You evaluate a book, writing, work of art, etc.Structure:
- Book Overview
- What is this book about?
- What is the thesis?
- Why did the author write the book?
- How does the author(s) build the argument of the book?
- What are the philosophical assumptions of the book?
- What are the author’s conclusions?
- Evaluation
- What is good or helpful in this book
- Weakness or errors evident in the book
- Who should read this book and why
- Reflections (This element would not appear in some professional journals.)
- What did it help you understand that was new to you?
- How did it cause you to revise you ideas about the subject?
- How did the book help you clarify your present ideas?
- What changes do you want to implement in life work as a result of reading this book?
Notes:
- Be sure to include a header with the book publication details included.
- The overview is not a replay of the contents of the work, what is in each of the chapters, sections, headings, acts, etc. It talks about the book, it is not a synopsis of the book.
- Look at the book reviews in Bibilotheca Sacra or some other academic journal for samples of quality book reviews.
Description:
A work that covers an entire field of knowledge without going into detail. Its purpose is to introduce or acquaint the reader with this subject area by way of an overview.Structure:
Some ways the material in a survey may be organized include:- From the simple to the complex
- Chronological
- Under the headings (rubrics) commonly used in this field.
Notes:
These works are sometime called an "Introduction to." This is confusing since that terms is used of other scholarly writings.Description:
Someone has asked you for your thoughts on a subject. You respond with a formal, orderly and probably extended expression of thoughts on that subject.Structure:
- Statement of the subject and limitation of this discourse.
- Ordered discussion of the subject
- Conclusion stating your current thinking on this subject and any plan for future study.
Description:
You want to help a neophyte, so you write explaining a few simple things in your subject area that give the basis for learning more.Structure:
The structure will vary greatly with the subject matter and the intended audience.- What this subject is about in general terms.
- Why knowing this subject is important.
- An explanation of the basic principles of the subject and how they relate to each other.
- Suggestions for continued study.
Introduction (2. Prolegomena)
Description:
There has been a challenge to the possibility of quality academic work in your field so you write explaining how such work can be done.Structure:
Typical elements include.- The possibility of studying this field
- The philosophical assumptions used
- The names of the subject areas (rubrics) into which this field is commonly divided. (Divisions)
