Research Paper Assignment
As part of the course, you will write a research paper on a topic of your choice. The first task is to decide on the topic. To do so, you need to research recent newspaper and radio/television news reporting on California. The goal is to identify an issue that you find interesting and significant to understanding California as a place, and as an idea.
Once you identify a topic of interest to you, print out the article or news item that sparked your interest for inclusion in your proposal. In addition you want to do some additional preliminary research on the issue to help you write an informed proposal. The proposal needs to identify the topic and include a copy of the item that sparked your interest in it. You should then discuss why this topic is of interest to you and why it is significant for understanding contemporary California. This proposal should consist of 2-3 paragraphs, plus the article, news item.
The paper needs to be 6 pages in length, excluding cover page and bibliography. It needs to be double spaced and checked for grammar and spelling. The paper should be an essay, with an introduction to the topic and a clearly-identified thesis statement (argument you want to make in your paper). The discussion needs to place the topic/issue in historical context (explain how it reflects the history and historical circumstances of California). You then need to examine the topic/issue in its contemporary manifestations, addressing its significance to the state today and to the future of the state.
When thinking about topics, be creative. You can explore environmental issues, diversity, race, activism, farm labor, immigration. There are plenty of options. If you need any feedback, let me know.
The response should include a reference list. Double-space, using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, one-inch margins, and APA style of writing and citations.