In this essay, you will develop a position on a current topic supported by research (with consideration of opposing research and positions). A goal of this class is for you to better contextualize debates and issues in educational resource management alongside existing research. The purpose of the issue essay is to give you an opportunity to delve deeper into a current issue of your choosing, to broaden your understanding of that issue through reading research, to further develop skills in identifying and using literature relevant to a current issue, and to develop and demonstrate the ability to make a succinct summary and a thoughtful critique of an issue within educational resource management. An issue can be anything of relevance to the course content. Examples of topics might include differential tuition, the rising costs of college, the allocation of financial aid, the use of fees, declining state funding for higher education, performance funding, accreditation and regulation, student loan debt, athletic spending, support for campus program, support for academic programs (like the Reserve Officers Training Corps), and more.
Your paper should adhere to the following criteria:
- At least 7 pages (double-spaced), excluding references and title page
- It should reflect course content, be relevant, and be of importance
- Make use of supporting and opposing literature drawing on at least 10 sources
- Reflect your own scholarly opinions on the issue
- Well-written throughout, following APA 6th Edition guidelines
This paper is not a regular research paper or literature review. Rather, your essay is more an argumentative essay wherein you use evidence to support your position. Although you are being asked to build and take a position on the issue, you should not forget to give some credence and outline to the opposing position. If there appears to be no credible opposing position, then your topic is not truly an issue about which reasonable people could disagree.