SPT 610 Final Project Guidelines and Rubric Overview
The final project for this course is a 10 to 15 page paper that explores a topic discussed in class or in the readings. The topic is open-ended and based on the student’s interest.
The paper should not merely be a description or summary of what we have read and discussed. For example, a paper whose thesis is “The two sections of the Sherman Antitrust Act are [insert summary here]” or “An organization can be held liable for the acts of its volunteers in certain situations” will not receive a high mark.
Rather, each paper should make an argument about a topic we have covered: “The Sherman Antitrust Act has made professional sports more profitable for owners and players;” “An organization should not be held liable for its volunteers;” etc. Use examples we have read about or discussed in class. You must use outside research, although personal experience may be incorporated as appropriate. Having said that, though, please bear in mind that this is a paper and not a reading response/discussion.
The final product represents an authentic demonstration competency, because it requires students to synthesize a range of course readings to develop and support a reasoned, informed argument.
The project is divided in to four milestones, which will be submitted at various points throughout the course to scaffold learning and ensure quality final submissions. These milestones will be submitted in Modules 3, 5, 7, and 9.
Main Elements
Written components of projects must follow these formatting guidelines when applicable: double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, one-inch margins, and discipline-appropriate citations.
Failure to adhere to these requirements of submission will result in the paper not being graded.
Keep the following questions and elements in mind when completing you papers:
1. How well do you establish your argument? If I can’t tell that you are trying to prove that risk assessment is the most important part of risk management that will reflect poorly on the overall
quality of the paper.
2. How compelling is your argument? If you try to prove that oral contracts should be the norm in sports law, but end up convincing me that in no circumstances should oral contracts ever be used, that will have a negative impact on your grade. That is not to say that you should pick an easy-to-argue thesis. I will respond better to an unlikely argument that is well made than I will to
an easy argument that is badly made.
3. How well did you use examples from class? This paper is an opportunity to show off that you’ve been paying attention to the reading and class discussions. Bring up cases, scenarios, teams, players, etc. that we have talked about to effectively prove your point.
4. How well do you use and demonstrate the information, theories, etc. that we covered in class? Remember that I am primarily interested in determining how much you have learned in this
class. When you use cases, be sure to accurately state the ideas they represent.
5. Did you use proper grammar and spelling? This is a formal paper, not an informal reading response. Outlines, sentence fragments, and bullet points are not appropriate. Please watch subjectverb agreement.
Format
Milestone One: Initial Topic Proposal
In Task 3-2, you will submit a proposed research question/argument to the professor for approval. This is not graded but must be approved before any future milestones will be accepted.
Milestone Two: Research Question and References
In Task 5-2, you will submit the final research question(s) and justify why it is important. You must provide at least 2 references/cases that are linked to your topic in order to show your justification.
This milestone will be graded on a Pass/Fail basis.
Milestone Three: Research Summary
In Task 7-2, you will submit a draft of the references/cases you will use to support your argument. This should include both in class examples and outside sources. You should create a brief summary showing the importance of your references. How do they relate to your topic? How do they support your argument? What are the important elements in the paper/case? This milestone will be graded using the Milestone Three: Project Research Rubric.
Milestone Four: Synthesis of Course Content
In Task 9-2, you will submit a draft showing the link between your topic and the information, theories, and material covered in the class. This is graded using the Milestone Four: Synthesis of Course Content Rubric.
Final Submission: Final Paper
In Task 10-3, you will submit a final, polished paper that includes the main elements outlined above. It should reflect the incorporation of feedback gained throughout the course. This will be graded using the Final Paper Rubric.
What to Submit
Written components of projects must follow these formatting guidelines when applicable: double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, one-inch margins, and APA citations.
Final Project Rubric
Criteria Exceeds Expectations (100%) Meets Expectations (90%) Partially Meets Expectations
(70%) Does Not Meet Expectations
(0%) Value
Comprehensive final product Addresses all of the main elements of the final product directly and includes additional elements that logically enrich and extend. Addresses all of the main elements of the final product listed above directly. Addresses all of the main elements of the final product listed above either directly or indirectly. Does not address all of the main elements of the project listed above. 15
Context Establishes a context that speaks to all relevant course objectives. Establishes a context that speaks to several specific course objectives. Establishes a context that speaks to at least one specific course objective. Establishes a context that does not address at least one course objective. 15
Criteria Exceeds Expectations (100%) Meets Expectations (90%) Partially Meets Expectations
(70%) Does Not Meet Expectations
(0%) Value
Incorporation of scholarly resources Incorporates at least six properly cited scholarly resources that reflect depth and breadth of research. Incorporates at least four properly cited scholarly resources that reflect depth of research. Incorporates at least two properly cited scholarly resources. Does not incorporate at least two properly cited scholarly resources 20
Application of course concepts Applies at least four course concepts in authentic ways. Illustrates at least four course concepts with specific examples. Describes at least three course concepts with accurate details. Does not describe at least two course concepts with accurate details. 20
Evidence of higher order thinking/Critical
Thinking/Learning Evaluates or synthesizes multiple course concepts in a way that demonstrates creative thinking. Logically and accurately analyzes or evaluates multiple course concepts. Logically and accurately analyzes or evaluates at least one course concept. Does not logically and accurately analyze or evaluate at least one course concept. 20
Clear Communication Exceeds expectations with an intentional use of language that promotes a thorough understanding Consistently and effectively communicates in an organized way to a specific audience Shows progress toward meeting expectations, but
communication is inconsistent or ineffective in a way that negatively impacts understanding Shows no evidence of consistent, effective, or organized communication 10
Total: 100%
