ASSIGNMENT: Research and write a research-based argument paper that offers a viable solution, an alternative approach, or a transitional position to the local problem you have defined.
This research project gives you the opportunity to investigate a local problem (such as literacy or pollution) for which neither you nor the community has a clear solution. You will investigate what is known about the problem, who is involved, the different perspectives, possible solutions, (analyze the conversation) and propose the best solution according to your research (enter the conversation). This project accounts for a significant % of your grade. It is a major effort and should represent your very best work.
Through your work with this research project you will learn how to conduct primary and secondary research on a local problem. The research that students generate should be of great interest to community leaders, students, neighbors, and local governments, to name just a few of the possible stakeholders affected by your local problem/issue. You may define ‘local’ as a local education or non-profit organization, Orlando, Orange County, your hometown or county if you commute, or Central Florida.
The Research Process
We will discuss the steps involved in a research project and several resources will be available to you including:
• Brainstorming advice to assist students with finding an engaging local problem (available on Blackboard in the Research Paper Information folder: “Research Project Brainstorming”).
• A Research Library Session – A Librarian will meet with our class to introduce resources available through the library and other recommended sources. Further individual assistance is available by meeting with the librarian for targeted assistance (see information desk or online chat for library).
• Information Literacy Tutorial (Online Journal #7)
• Research Process Documents and Web Resources – We will review these in class and they will be available via our Blackboard class account in our Research Project Information folder.
• Research Deadlines Checklist – A detailed checklist with types of sources and due dates for required research cards and other documents will be available. Students will be responsible for bringing in research and cards on the due dates to earn points.
• Class Lecture and Peer Support Groups – Each class will review resources and concepts needed for the upcoming research documents that will be due. In addition, students will meet in small groups to discuss their research and assist each other in the process.
• Draft Feedback – Faculty, Peer and longer Writing Center consultations will be available for students with their working drafts. Days for peer and instructor meetings will be decided by signup sheet a week before. Students will need to schedule the writing consultation as soon as possible through the writing center.
Choosing Your Local Problem to Research
1. Brainstorm and Research Local Topics and Formulate a Research Question
? Read the complete directions for this assignment so you have an overall understanding of the type of project (not a pro-con or report essay).
? Read and follow the great advice in the document “Research Project Brainstorming” available in the Research Project Information folder in our Blackboard class account.
? Attend our library class session on research resources.
? Try formulating a question which you would eventually answer, such as how can we solve the local problem of ____________ ?
? Talk to your instructor about your ideas for guidance.
? Find some initial local articles that discuss how and where this is a local problem. Keep a copy of these sources because you will be writing research cards (see below).
2. Define your Local Problem and get approval from instructor
o Your local problem may not be restricted to Orange County; however, it must be in a nearby area where you visit often for access to primary and secondary sources. You may define ‘local’ as a local education or non-profit organization, Orlando, Orange County, your hometown or county if you commute, or Central Florida.
o All local problems must be approved by the instructor as soon as possible.
o Local problems (‘topics’) that will NOT be accepted for this assignment include abortion, the death penalty, marijuana, and faith based arguments (ie Harry Potter – Satan worshiper, doctor assisted suicide, refusal of medicine for children based on parent’s religious beliefs).
o There are a few local problems that will most likely not be approved as they have been researched too often recently, including homelessness (spouse abuse or child poverty might be approved), sex offenders, general crime (must be specific type and area), US Space Shuttle Program, FCAT & standardized testing in secondary education, general tuition increases and college program cuts, campus parking, and burglary on campus.
o You will narrow your topic and research question for final local problem approval before completing your research. Please review the topic ideas and brainstorming available in the posted document “Research Project Brainstorming.” (For example, the topic local Orlando crime would need to be narrowed from crime to a specific crime (house robberies, for example) to a specific area (house robberies in Metro West, for example).
Continuing with Your Project Research
During the course of this project, you will research your topic on a local level, including primary and secondary research, in addition to national/international sources. You will conduct an online tutorial, and we will have a library research session with the librarian. You are responsible for following up individually with the library for additional assistance as needed. You will be required to find a variety of sources, take notes, make research cards, and bring those text sources and cards on the designated due date. (See Research Paper Deadlines.) We will discuss the type of sources you are required to find in class before the due date. You will also write your results from your primary research, a proposal brief, and a selected annotated bibliography.
Writing the Problem-Solution Paper
After concluding your research, you will write a problem-solution paper targeted to a specific audience (with a specific purpose).
? Include at least 2 pages that reflect your understanding of all the different points of view demonstrated by your research.
? Your argument should be culturally or socially significant to your audience. Include a minimum of 10 different sources in your text.
? Document all primary and secondary sources.
? Make sure to include in your research (cited or consulted) one example each of a book, print article, web site, library search article, multimedia, and technical document such as a government publication or statistical analysis. If you find and use all the sources on the Research Sources Deadlines list, you will have met this research requirement.
? Make sure to include your primary research (interviews, surveys & statistical observations) also.
? Keep in mind that in addition to observing and eliminating perspectives based on logical fallacies, your own solution must be based on sound reasoning. Be sure to include logos, pathos and ethos in your persuasion.
? Minimum 8 pages your text. Most A papers range between 10 and 12 pages before the Works Cited & Consulted and attachments.
In addition to the title page, outline page, works cited and works consulted, the following is a suggested general organization of your research paper. Your actual paper organization will depend on your understanding of your audience, topic, and persuasive strategies.
Introduction
Identification of the problem
Definition of the problem
Illustrations of different points of view related to the problem
(local points of view plus alternate national or international points of view)
Elimination of non-workable arguments
Consideration of viable solutions
(You may cite other successful – or unsuccessful – programs/arguments, nationally or internationally, as long as you review what has been done locally.)
Your recommendation and why (Thesis)
Appeal to your audience for action
