KANSAS CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY (MO)

CON 101 – CONSTRUCTION & CULTURE
FINAL RESEARCH PAPER
1. Check the LIST for the topics for the Final Research Paper. Print your name in the space of the
topic that you choose to report on. It will involve a significant construction project, generally an
antiquity from hundreds of years ago.
2. Summarize the event by reporting such things as WHEN and WHERE it occurred, the SIZE, the
CIVILIZATION that built it and the CULTURE that was prevalent in the era, and any other
pertinent information concerning this contribution to the built environment.
3. Report on HOW it was built, based on your own research and understanding of what was
available. You should comment on such items as: the MATERIALS used; the METHODS,
TOOLS and/or EQUIPMENT used; and the LABOR FORCE at the time. (Hint – this part is at
least 25% of your grade)
4. Lastly, I would like each of you to give your best analysis of how you think such a structure
(whether it be a building, road, dam, canal, bridge, etc.) would be built IF IT WAS BUILT
TODAY! Speculate, be creative, make a lot of assumptions – whatever it takes! (Hint – this part
is at least 25% of your grade)
5. The minimum number of pages in the body of the report is 10 (this number does NOT include the
title page, abstract or reference page!). The report is to be computer generated, 12-font, 1”
margins, double-spaced with page numbers in the lower right corner. Any sketches, photos, etc.,
will be counted in the page count – up to a point!
6. A Bibliography is mandatory. A minimum of three references are required and a minimum of
two references must be from sources other than the internet. You also must indicate in the text
where each of the references are being cited or quoted. Use MLA format for references – see the
MLA Guidelines document under “Assignments” on the CON101 web page.
7. Note: DO NOT put the paper in a folder or binder. But you MUST have a cover page, and then a
100-word (maximum) Abstract, titled “Abstract,” on a separate sheet.
8. The report will be due during the week shown on the syllabus. Check with your instructor on the
exact day. Papers are due at the beginning of class – There will be absolutely NO exceptions.
9. Remember to submit a “hard” copy in class AND send a “soft” copy to [email protected]
When you send your file use the following naming convention: lastname_firstname_topic.doc
For example: Smith_John_Golden Gate Bridge.doc
10. Point value for this Final Research Paper is 250 points. Remember – get it “write” the first time –
no re-writes. Double check your work. Don’t do it the night before it’s due! Spelling, grammar
and content all count – you must address all three!