Task: Write a research paper using evidence to support a thesis that addresses your research question examining a current issue or event in the news from the perspective of your field of study. The audience is people who are generally educated but do not have extensive knowledge of your field or topic. Length: At least 2000 words Sources: Minimum of 6. At least 3 of these must be from scholarly journals, and all sources should be selected based on reliability, currency, and level of information/analysis. The UMUC library will be very useful in helping you find appropriate sources. You can, but do not have to, include all of the sources from your annotated bibliography. Topic This paper is the culmination of your research project, in which you are examining a current issue or event in the news from the perspective of your field of study. Before drafting your paper, you will have chosen a topic, developed a research question, and identified several potential sources in an annotated bibliography. You should write on the same topic for this paper, unless your professor has asked you to make changes to your topic. Organizing and supporting your paper As you write your paper, be sure to include the following: an engaging introductory paragraph that includes an effective and clear thesis statement any definition of terms or background information that your reader is likely to need to understand your paper focused body paragraphs that begin with topic sentences and use effective transitions. This is where you will support the thesis using arguments and evidence. a concluding paragraph that reiterates the thesis, summarizes key points of the paper, and leaves the reader with the “So what?” Point of view This paper will be written in an academic style. Use third person point of view. Do not use “I” or “you.” ****This is Assignment 3, below info is to see the big picture. Assignments 1 and 2 are attached for reference, along with the rubric*** Assignment 1: Issue Exploration You will select a recent news article from the UMUC library and answer a series of questions in connection with the issue or event covered in the article and your field of study (major). Assignment 2: Annotated bibliography You will identify four sources for your research project and compose an annotated bibliography including APA-style reference entries and annotations for each source. Assignment 3: Research Paper You will write a research paper defending a thesis statement that responds to a research question about your selected issue and your field of study. The research paper will incorporate ideas and/or information from at least six sources. Assignment 4: Reflective Essay You will write an essay reflecting upon how completion of the research project has affected your understanding of your selected issue.
