Courses

WRITING RESEARCH PAPERS

Taught by Laura Morefield
ages 14+
PRE-REQUISITE: Writing 3 or Previous Essay Writing Experience Required

NOTE: 1.5 hr. class
Full Year - 32 week Course

Course Overview:

This course is designed to introduce high school students to the exciting world of research paper writing, providing them with the tools they need to succeed in academic writing and beyond. Through a combination of structured lessons, guided writing activities, and the exploration of example research papers from various disciplines, students will develop the skills necessary to tackle complex research topics with confidence.

Course Description:

Writing Research Papers is a year-long course that takes students step-by-step through the process of writing high-quality research papers. Whether it’s for college, future career opportunities, or simply academic growth, learning to craft well-researched, compelling papers is a vital skill that will serve students throughout their education and beyond.

This course is built around a progressive, hands-on approach. Students will begin by writing shorter research papers (1-2 pages) and gradually build up to longer, more complex papers. Along the way, they will receive individual feedback, read and analyze example research papers from various disciplines—such as history, literature, science, and social studies—that will help inspire and guide their own writing.  

Writing a research paper can seem daunting, but it’s much easier when you are writing about a topic that genuinely interests you. In this course, students will have the opportunity to choose their own research topics based on their personal interests. Whether it’s exploring the impact of technology on society, delving into an environmental issue, analyzing a historical event, or studying the effects of a certain type of literature or art, students will have the freedom to explore subjects that excite them. By focusing on their personal interests, students will become more engaged in the writing process and develop a passion for research and writing.Through guided lessons, students will learn how to:

  • Choose a research topic and narrow it down to a focused research question.
  • Find, evaluate, and integrate reliable sources into their papers.
  • Develop a clear and concise thesis statement.
  • Organize their research into a well-structured paper.
  • Analyze and synthesize information from multiple sources to build an argument.
  • Properly cite sources in MLA, APA, or Chicago style, depending on the paper’s discipline.
  • Revise and refine their papers with instructor guidance.

Schedule and Cost:

Day: Thursday

Time: 1.5 hr class   5:30 – 7:00 p.m. ET


Course Dates (click to download pdf)

For Tuition Fees, Code of Conduct, and all the details, see THE FINE PRINT

What your Teen will Learn:

  • Research Skills:  How to locate, evaluate, and use scholarly sources to support your argument.
  • Paper Structure:  Understanding the key components of a research paper—introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
  • Critical Thinking & Analysis:  How to connect sources, critique arguments, and develop your own perspective.
  • Writing Style:  How to write clearly, logically, and persuasively while avoiding common pitfalls.
  • Citation & Plagiarism:  How to cite sources correctly and avoid plagiarism, ensuring your work is academically ethical and rigorous.
  • Revision Process:  How to understand and implement feedback and use it to improve your drafts.

Types of Research Papers Your Student May Write:

  • Literature Analysis Papers:   Investigate themes, symbols, and motifs within a novel, short story, or poem.
  • Historical Research Papers:   Analyze a significant historical event, person, or movement and its impact on the world.
  • Science Research Papers:   Explore a scientific concept, experiment, or technological advancement and its implications.
  • Social Science Papers:  Examine social phenomena, trends, or policies, exploring their effects on communities or societies.
  • Argumentative Research Papers:  Take a stance on a current issue and use research to support your position.

Why this Course is Important:

This course will not only provide students with the practical skills needed to write academic papers but also with an understanding of how research can shape their perspective on the world. By the end of the year, students will be able to confidently write comprehensive, well-supported research papers, and they’ll have a portfolio of work they can proudly share with future educators or employers.

Class Structure and Homework:

  • Student & Parent Involvement: The course meets live weekly for 1.5 hours, with homework that varies each week.  The homework is highly dependent on the student’s choice of research topic and the length of the paper assigned. Some of the students’ writing will be supervised during class with immediate instructor feedback. Their writing (and the feedback) is not shared with their peers without their prior consent. Parents are welcome to join the online Google Classroom as students to review assignments and support their teens.
  • Supporting Different Learning Styles: Whether your teen is a visual, hands-on, or auditory learner, we work to accommodate their learning preferences. Parents are encouraged to share insights into their teen’s learning style, helping us tailor assignments to best suit their needs.

Upon registration, students and parents will be provided with a Google Classroom link to join. Class materials and assignments will be posted directly to Classroom, and students may communicate with each other through this platform. Students may communicate with the instructor through Classroom and student inquiries are usually addressed as quickly as possible between 9AM and 9PM EST. Student inquiries made on the day of class may be addressed in class instead of through Classroom.

Note to Parents: Upon request and where warranted by the student’s level of performance and academic achievement, the instructor may agree to provide a letter of recommendation to potential employers, colleges, etc. All requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis and should be submitted with as much advance notice as possible.