The term paper will be a paper on an aspect of the computer architecture. You may find a topic in the textbook (note that you may have to read/skim ahead a little to find a topic that may interest you), or you may find one from other resources such as other books, web, tech reports, etc. The term paper should cover:

(1). Technology;
(2). Where it has been; and
(3). Where it is today.

Much of the grading for the term paper will be focused on (2) and (3), with emphasis on (3). The completed paper is expected to be 5--8 pages long using typesetting software such as LaTex or MS-Word, with 11-font letter size and 1.5 line spacing. Papers exceeding this page limit should expect unfavorable grading. The paper should include a title, name of the author, an abstract, keywords, an introduction, a conclusion, and references.