Issues Paper
11 03 2008Issues Paper
You should be researching a topic of interest to you that is controversial in the United States today. You will be provided with a list of ideas to start from. You do not have to go with one of these ideas, but please have your topic approved by Mr Clydesdale if you stray from the list. You should then prepare to analyze that issue and put your findings into paper form. Below is an outline for the paper. This paper is due on May 2, 2008. Papers will be accepted prior to the due date, but papers WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED LATE WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL. This is different from other assignments in the class that are accepted late. Last day excuses such as “My jump drive will not work” or “My printer was out of ink” or “I was kidnapped by aliens who were in search of government research papers” or “I forgot” will not be accepted.
Follow this format exactly.
I. Title Page
a. Name
b. Course
c. Issue Being Researched
d. Due Date
II. Paper (12 point, Times New Roman font, double spaced, minimum of 8 pages.)
a. Introduction to the issue (Can include more than one paragraph)
1. Explain general background information about the topic
2. State your stance and a brief explanation of why you chose this stance
3. Briefly state why this issue is important in society today or what controversies surround this issue
b. Body of Paper—One side of the issue (Several paragraphs)
1. In each paragraph, pick ONE key aspect of your topic that you learned about while researching and explain it.
2. Each paragraph should include at least one cited piece of research.
c. Body of Paper—Other side of the issue (Several paragraphs)
1. In each paragraph, pick ONE key aspect of your topic that you learned about while researching and explain it.
2. Each paragraph should include at least one cited piece of research.
d. Body of Paper—Your Opinion (Several paragraphs)
1. In each paragraph, you should be explaining why you chose the stance you did on your issue—in other words, here is where you defend your opinion
2. This section does not necessarily need to be cited. However, if an idea or quote is not YOUR idea or quote, it needs to be cited.
e. Conclusion (One Strong Final Paragraph)
1. Give an overall summary of your topic
2. Restate your belief on this topic
3. What does the future hold for your topic?
III. References
a. All references should be cited using APA format (we will go over this in class)
b. Resources should only be listed if you have cited them in your paper
c. You must have a minimum of 7 sources. These sources do not HAVE to come from the Internet. The LP librarians will gladly assist you with other types of research.
IV. Binder
a. Your will turn in your paper in a 3-ring binder.
b. Your binder should be arranged as follows
1. Blank Rubric
2. Title Page
3. Abstract of Paper (We will go over this in class)
4. Paper
5. Reference Page
6. Copies of your references
This paper is worth 200 points overall.
A very specific rubric will be distributed to you. It will also be available online in your class’ webpage. I will allow some spelling / grammar mistakes. However, we live in an age of computers and computers have grammar and spell checks. An abundance of errors will affect your grade. Please proofread your papers and have someone else proofread your paper.
Good luck!
