Research Paper Assignment -
Select one of these topics below.
1. What is Philosophy: An examination of cultural and historical thinking?
2. Ethics, Morality and Religion: Are values, standards and principles relative to time and space; a comparative analysis?
3. God, Me and the State: Who sets the standards for what is right?
4. Freedom and Responsibility: An ethical analysis
5. Homosexuality: A Perspective on the nature/nurture dichotomy
6. The Internet, Pornography and Children: the limits of freedom
7. Is the fetus a person? A perspective for the exercise of freedom and conscience on the Question of Abortion
8. Abortion: Two sides of a Coin; An Analysis
9. Abortion: The Law of the Land and the Law of Religion; when laws conflict, what/who gives?
10. Abortion: Why the Issue will not go away
11. Euthanasia: The right to die and suffering as redemptive
12. The Right to Die and the Right to Life: an examination
13. Hate Speech and the First Amendment: A Perspective
14. Racism and the Culture of Denial
15. Sexism and the Mythology of the Weaker Sex
16. Affirmative Action: A Justification of Set asides for the Rich and Set asides for the Poor
17. Crime and Punishment: An examination of the Criminal Justice System in Light of the Dred Scott Decision
18. Cloning and Stem Cell Research: Balancing Values and Needs
19. Should the homeless receive the same protection as animals: a society in denial
20. Modern Society and Historical Wrongs: Who is responsible for reconciliation?
21. Pre-emptive Strike as a Doctrine as War: An Analysis
22. Same Sex Marriage and Equal Justice under the Law: What kind of society do we want?
23. The Benefits of War: An Examination of War, Justice and Greed
24. ENRON and Others: White Collar Crime and Punishment; An Analysis
25. Politics and the Truth: Is all fair in Politics?
26. Why Philosophy?
27. Does Justice Exist? An Examination of double standards for rich and poor
28. Wealth, Power and Privilege: An Analysis
29. Does Legality Equal Morality: A Case Analysis
30. Globalization and the Politics of Self Interest: An Examination
Suggested Format/Procedure for the research paper -
Research / Thesis Essay
Description: A Research/Thesis Essay is a writing assignment where you may either:
1. Research a specific topic to gain better insight and then express your interpretations and evaluations, or,
2. Make a persuasive argument or take a stand on an issue and then provide evidence to prove the validity of your points.
It is important to make references to the facts presented in the materials even when expressing opinions. You may use the course text in addition to other primary sources. (A primary source is a document or object that was created during the time under study. For example, a book about the Declaration of Independence is a secondary source, while the actual Declaration of Independence is a primary source.) The intent of the paper is for you to do research and then convey it in a clear and meaningful way with interpretations and insights.
Essay Format:
- APA Style
- Length: 2,000-2,500 words, 5-7 Pages
- Typed using 1" Margins; Double-spaced; 12 point font.
- Include: Your Name; Course Name; Instructor's Name; Title; and Date.
- Footnotes: As necessary
- Works Cited/References: Required
- Use at least three (3) outside sources (books, articles, commentaries).
Introductory Paragraph: Introduce your topic and clearly make a strong thesis statement, which is what you plan to prove or explain in your essay.
Organizing Ideas:
- Thesis statement forms the basis of the essay
- Decide on a few key ideas that express your thesis statement
- Each of these key ideas can become their own paragraphs
- Develop your ideas in each paragraph by using examples, giving details, and using quotes
- The use of the first person "I" is not appropriate for a research essay.
Body of the Essay:
- Present your ideas in a logical way with references to texts.
Concluding Paragraph:
- Reiteration of your thesis statement and summary of your arguments or points.