POL201 Week 4 Research Paper - Identify a problem or an issue

Political Science HOMEWORK

POL201

WEEK 4 RESEARCH PAPER ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS

Instructions       

Write a  short research paper of 6 double- space pages (1500+ words), excluding the title, abstract, and references, on one problem or issue in American politics by following these steps:

1. Identify a problem or an issue (Define it).  2. Analyze the issue/ the problem (and give some historical background to it if applicable).  3. Suggest a solution (or solutions) to the problem or an approach to deal with it.

   You are expected to have a minimum of  three books and/or peer-reviewed journal entries and a minimum of three general resources including websites in your references section.  The paper is to be double-spaced. The font is to be Times New Roman, the font size 12, and the margin 1 inch from all sides. The paper is to follow the American Psychological Association ( APA) format. Use Microsoft Word.

   If you have not written a research paper in a long time, I suggest that you refresh yourself a fantastic "The Writer's Complex "website at  http://www.esc.edu/writer  . This website will walk you through what a research paper is and how it should be put together.

  All written work in this course must adhere to the proper format, style, grammar, and spelling rules of the English language. Include in-text citations and references in everything you write. Make sure you proofread your work.

   A research paper presents the results of your investigations on a selected topic. Based on your own thoughts, facts, and ideas you have gathered from a variety of sources, a research paper is your own synthesis. In this sense, a research paper is a new work that you create by consulting several sources to answer a research question. Therefore, a research paper is not a summary of an article, book, or collection of summaries of articles or books. Submit your paper to the Dropbox that is checked by Safe Assign to check for plagiarism. The paper should be original work and not used in any previous course.

Checklist and Rubric for the Research Paper                   

Writing Points

Abstract               5%

Clear introduction            5%

Clear thesis statement  5%

Fine conclusion 5%

Grammar, spelling, and punctuation       10%

Transitions between different points in the paper            10%

APA writing style (In text-citation, notes, references, spaces, indents, quotes, documentation, etc...) 15%

Using the required resources     5%

Clear and logical writing, paper organized well around the thesis statement, and critical thinking                20%

Points clearly supported by strong evidence or examples             20%

Total      1. 100%

  All  late papers and work will be marked down one letter grade (10%) for each late day and will not be accepted after the third day, except for emergencies verified by documentation such as a doctor's note, a towing bill, etc.

   Click on the  "Week Four Assignment - Research Paper" link above to submit your assignment, as well to get more information regarding the due date and grading rubric.