The term paper/project in CSci 431 will account for 10% of your overall grade in the course (i.e., as much as an hour exam, assuming that we have three hour exams and a comprehensive final). It is intended to be a substantial work done over a longer period of time than an ordinary homework assignment, and gives you an opportunity to explore a topic of interest to you in more depth.
You have two options: a term paper, or a substantial project. Both involve significant writing: A term paper, of course, is entirely written, but a project should also involve substantial writing as well. The following gives some possible topics for term papers and for projects. The list is not intended to be exclusive, and you should feel free to propose paper topics or projects on your own (please talk with me first about them, either in person or by email).
Papers should be at least 10 pages in length and supported by a substantial bibliography (5 - 10 items, of which only a small number can be web references). Projects also need a bibliography (though probably a smaller one), and should include a shorter paper giving
Please note that substantial penalities will be assessed for missed deadlines for the paper. Milestones will be assessed as follows: