Writing 131C Journal Production: Undergraduate Research Journal (URJ)

Dear URJ Students,

Welcome to the library's collaborative guide with the Undergraduate Research Journal. We have partnered with Susan Varnot to create a space for you to find guidance and information to support you in your research journal publishing course. 

Learning Outcomes for this Guide

1. Evaluating Sources for Quality and Relevance: Students will learn to critically assess the credibility, reliability, and relevance of sources, helping them to build a strong foundation for their research articles.
2. Citation and Referencing Skills: Students will be able to accurately cite sources using various citation styles (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago), ensuring academic integrity and adherence to publication standards.
3. Understanding the Editorial Workflow & Review Process: Students will be able to outline the key stages of the editorial process, including submission, peer review, revisions, and publication, providing them with a clear roadmap for their own journal contributions.
4. Managing Ethical Considerations in Publishing: Students will become familiar with ethical issues in publishing, including plagiarism, authorship disputes, and conflicts of interest, equipping them to navigate these challenges in their own work.
5. Preparing a Strong Manuscript: Students will be equipped with strategies for structuring and writing a clear, coherent manuscript, including developing a compelling abstract, literature review, and methodology section.

6. Navigating the Review Process: Students will understand the peer review process, including how to respond to reviewer feedback and make necessary revisions, thereby enhancing their chances of successful publication.

The UC Merced Library has been a partner with the Undergraduate Research Journal since [year]. Our role has been to deposit and give access to undergraduate research and scholarship through the eScholarship platform.