Description
This research paper allows you to add to an academic topic of conversation that matters to you. The research paper will present your questions, analyses, arguments, findings, and conclusions on your topic. Remember that your research paper is making a specific argument about your topic. Try to pick something you can take a position on, develop an argument about, really dig into. Something that has a reasonable counterargument. Evaluate your topic. Does this seem like there is enough on this topic for you to write a six page paper? Are there multiple sides or angles to the topic?
When you have chosen chosen topic write:
1) A 1-2 sentence description of your topic.
2) Why you are interested in writing about this topic.
3) What difficulties or issues you foresee in writing about this topic.
What are the requirements for this research paper?
A clear thesis that states your central idea.
A minimum of four academic sources.
The best counterargument to your thesis and your rebuttal to this counterargument. *Note: if your argument does not have a good counterargument, you may be stating the obvious or not making a very interesting argument.
Integration of sources into your own argument (no “quote plopping”; remember the ICE method)
Length: a minimum of five full pages, seven pages maximum.
A conclusion that does not merely recap the paper but that answers the question, “So what?” Why should we care about this topic? What are the broader implications of your argument?