Ideally, the beginnings of this final research strand will occur in the earlier essays. Instructors may wish to insist on a certain component of library research, and they may wish to specify exactly what that should entail (i.e., current journals, periodicals, newspaper accounts), but at least some component of the project should be drawn from theoretical concerns delineated in their reader, and at least some portion should include interviews or field notes of some kind.
Some of the activities in this part of the semester should involve posing a research question, gathering materials (designing interview questions, observing and taking notes, designing questionnaires) focusing the study, shaping the argument, framing the materials in relation to the larger themes developed in the course.
It is often helpful if the class can function with long-term writing groups for this part of the semester, so a group of three or four students might periodically check with one another about the progress of their research and receive feedback from a group familiar with their materials about how persuasive the presentation is, what pieces of information are needed to bolster the argument, what other kind of framing material might heighten the significance of the research. Recommended Length:
6 – 8 pages. MLA Format. Times New Roman, 12pt Font. At least 5 sources needed.
Purpose: To develop an argument on a specific topic and provide persuasive support for your thesis using strong reasons and clear evidence.
Audience: An academic audience that includes the authors of the readings and other interested in the issue upon which you are focusing.
Questions for Consideration and Topic Exploration: As your country’s leader, you are tasked with composing a policy paper, a country position briefing, that focuses on your country (that you choose and determined during class discussion) and reflects the point of view of your country by providing a country-specific perspective on the global challenge you selected that is based on the following theme: Overcoming the Global Food, Fuel and Water Crisis. The policy paper should involve the background of the issue, an analysis, and specific recommendations for action.
Sources for this analysis should include the UN readings and website (UNDP and MDG sites), Novogratz’s text, current articles gathered from newspaper and or scholarly journal sources and, additionally, one interview with an individual from the country or region in consideration. Prior to your interviews, we will discuss interview techniques and questions in class. Please refer to the MLA Handbook for proper citation, footnotes and bibliography format.
Consult the following texts:
Strunk, William, and E.B. White. The Elements of Style. 4th ed. New York: Longman, 2000.