ENGL120 - Research and Database Information

ENGL120  

Research Topics and Database Information

Note: This information is duplicated from the module for WR3

Please view the topic list and questions, and pick the topic and question(s) you are most interested in exploring. Every topic has two questions under it. You have the option of focusing your research paper on one of those questions, or both. After you review the topic list, pay close attention to the instructions below about how to use the Opposing Viewpoints in Context database. Research Essay Topics and Questions Juvenile Justice System

• Are juveniles fully responsible for criminal behavior?

• Should juveniles be tried as adults for some especially serious crimes? Police Brutality § Do recent police killings justify calls for reforms to police departments? § What measures, if anything, should police reforms incorporate, and why? Freedom of Speech

• Should hate speech be banned or regulated in the U.S.?

• Should social media platforms try to regulate hate speech? Note: for this topic, you can also search the term “Social Media” in the Opposing Viewpoints Database for relevant articles. Media Violence

• Does violent media (like films or video games) cause violence in children, adolescents or teens?

• Does the media’s coverage of violence create more violence? Note: for this topic, you can also search the term “Media Coverage of Mass Violence” in the Opposing Viewpoints Database for relevant articles. Affirmative Action

• Should colleges and universities take steps to ensure racial diversity in admissions?

• What race-conscious approaches or programs, if any, should colleges and universities use to diversify their student body?

Note: for this topic, you can also search the term “College Admissions Process” in the Opposing Viewpoints Database for relevant articles. Opposing Viewpoints in Context A Library Database The Grossmont Cuyamaca Community College District library system subscribes to various research databases, which are fantastic tools for students. For our work in this unit, we will be using the database called Opposing Viewpoints in Context. You cannot access this database through Google or any other public search engine: it is only open to GCCCD enrolled students, and if you are off-campus, you will need to use your Web Advisor username and password to access it.

STEPS

1. Select a topic and corresponding research question(s) from the list provided. Essays that cover a topic not listed will not be accepted without prior approval.

2. Watch the video linked to the module about how to use the Opposing Viewpoints database. Access Opposing Viewpoints database by navigating to the Research Databases section on the Cuyamaca College Library webpage, or by using the link in the module.

3. You will be instructed to log-in using your Web Advisor username and password. If you have any problem getting access to Opposing Viewpoints in Context, please contact a librarian or the Help Desk.

4. Once you are in the Opposing Viewpoints Database, type your topic name exactly as it appears on the list above into the search box. The topic name should appear on an auto-generated menu in bold. Click on it.

 5. A page will open about your research topic. Every page is laid out exactly the same: there is research starter article at the very top with an overview of your topic and the debates around it. Click to read it—it’s a valuable source, but since it’s basically like an encyclopedia entry, it does not count toward one of your required sources.

6. Each topic page also features a variety of sources about your topic, from argumentative essays (“Viewpoints”), to academic journal articles, magazine articles, statistics, audio clips, etc. The articles are divided and arranged by type.

7. Start with the Viewpoints articles. Most topics have “Featured Viewpoints” and then an additional section titled just “Viewpoints.” These are argumentative essays by a variety of experts on your topic, and the titles of the articles frequently give a clue about the main point. When you select your sources, pick ones that most closely relate to your research question AND that offer substantive key concepts, useful studies, and interesting subclaims that you can use as evidence in your own paper. Some articles are too short and not useful. Don’t pick those.

8. Finally, check out some of the sources in the other sections, like News and Magazines—you’re welcome to use anything that appears helpful in helping you create and support arguments. Note: You are required to use the Opposing Viewpoints database; essays that incorporate sources not from Opposing Viewpoints will not be accepted without prior approval.

9. After familiarizing yourself with your topic, the research starter overview, and some of the arguments/points in some relevant sources on your research page, complete the assigned discussion board for this unit.

10. Make final decisions about what 4 (minimum) sources you would like to use for the research essay. Remember that authors’ arguments and expert opinions can be your evidence. Remember that you’ll need at least one text that offers arguments that oppose your own for the counterargument section. Take detailed notes on your sources so that you can engage with them closely in the essay.

11. While you are working, be sure to pay close attention to the lessons and resources on the module for information about how to structure the essay, including more detailed information about how to incorporate evidence, how to perform close analysis, and how to do the counterargument.

12. Create a complete draft of the research essay and submit it for feedback.

13. Revise draft based on feedback to ultimately submit a polished, final draft of the research essay.

14. Extra awesome bonus: MLA citation is available perfectly formatted through the Opposing Viewpoints database. To get the MLA citation for your Works Cited page, just click on the article and look for it either at the bottom of the text, or at the right hand menu called “Tools.” The top selection should be “Citation Tools.” Click on that, and you’ll see a perfectly-formatted 8th Edition MLA entry for the text. Just copy and paste it onto your own works cited page, and organize alphabetically. Remember that a Works Cited page is required for the final draft of the essay and does not count as a required page for length.