Final Paper: Scholarly Research and Reporting

Purpose

Identify an unresolved question or problem about a specific issue or topic that interests you, investigate it using scholarly sources, and then use evidence from your sources to support a thesis that attempts to answer the question or identify the cause of the problem.

Invention

Keep in mind as you brainstorm/draft:

The process for putting together your research paper will be similar to what you did for your argument paper, only that you are now restricted to using scholarly sources. With these sources, you will be making an argument about something, though it will likely be more nuanced and even more specific than the argument you made in the previous essay. You might not argue that stem cell research is morally right or wrong, but instead, you might argue how it is the most effective method for researching the cure of Parkinson’s disease. Similarly, you won’t argue that Teen Mom encourages pregnancy among teens, but you might look at how Teen Mom creates a specific image of teenage pregnancy and what this image is meant to convey about our society. 

Your research for this paper should be guided by a research question to which you do not already know the answer. You are allowed to use the same topic that you wrote about for your Argument Paper, but you want to pose a more nuanced and sophisticated questions rather than: is this right or wrong. Look for cause and effect or an interesting interpretation of a cultural phenomenon.

As you choose an audience with some investment in your topic (likely a group of scholars in the field), consider what kinds of sources and support they will find credible as well as terms they are familiar with.

Aim to include at least one source that challenges your own preconceptions about your topic to build a rebuttal argument.

Expectations

A successful research paper will:

1.     Define the situation or problem that calls for your attention;

2.     Makes a clear statement about this problem or situation (cause and effect; interpretation);

3.     Speak with the appropriate terms for your scholarly audience;

4.     Incorporate good thorough evidence to support a clear thesis statement

5.     Acknowledge and respond to opposing viewpoints; and

6.     Supply a clear, identifiable conclusion that you want your audience to reach about the issue.

7.     Your paper must have the correct MLA formatting.

Length: At least 5 pages (double-spaced) of rigorous analysis backed up by at least 4 respectable outside sources, at least one of which challenges your argument

Final Assignment Portfolio Due: December 9, 2011