How does Aruba’s geology affect its economic prosperity
A research essay/project is more than an informative book report which merely gathers information. Research is rhetorical. Research strives to argue a point. As such, research involves gathering information, then compiling and synthesizing that information to support a particular stance or position.
See sample question with focal points that guide the research:
Global Research Question: How has the history of [your island] influenced its present culture? (note: this includes concepts related to politics, religion, language, literature, etc.)
Sample Research Points to help determine a specific focus and topic:
– How have digital media/new technologies contributed to the cultural image of “x” island /region?
– To what extent do the people of “x island/region” reflect a Caribbean or Creole identity?
– What misrepresentations or miscommunications about “x island/region” did you uncover?
General Guidelines: Choose one issue or area of your interest and discuss within the context of your island/region. Your bibliography and resources will be based on both current events (Present ) and other political, social or historical research (Past) providing evidence. You will then take a personal position by developing a thesis/claim related to how these issues engage or reflect contemporary Caribbean regional and cultural conflicts. Your final paper should indicate a greater understanding of your island/region and how contemporary cultural characteristics reflect the socio-historical legacy of slavery and plantation economies .
Some examples for your topic focus might be:
- Economy (money and finance, trade and tourism issues)
- Health (healthcare, research, medicine, healing)
- Law (immigration, human rights, colonial laws etc.)
- African Slavery and/or Abolition of slavery/ slave rebellions
- Indigenous Peoples of the region (Caribs, Arawaks, Tainos, etc.)
- Military/Discovery/Sailing/Pirates
- Race and Gender issues
- Family relationships/ gender issues/
- Housing (construction, financing)
- Environment (pollution factors, fuel, oil drilling)
- The Arts (dance, music, visual arts,)
- Religion /Spiritualism/Myths
- Literature and Language
- Creole/ creolization / Identity