In the review essay, you asked: What is the value of this? In the proposal essay, you asked: Why is this a problem and what should be done?
For this research paper, you will be asking: What do I believe is true and why do I believe it? This essay will focus on fact based claims and logic and will cite 10 to 12 sources. This essay will also be the longest we will write at 8 to 10 pages—not including the Works Cited page.
What’s the topic of our research paper? Your topic for your research paper should be something from your proposal that you would like to explore a bit further that will fulfill a need in your life. If you already have a full enough answer, then keep the topic but research a different or modified issue about which you can develop a question for which you don’t have many answers yet.
To keep you focused on writing a researched argument, develop a topic and question at issue that arises from the list of issues posted in a previous week.
You’ll be including traditional Internet and library research, and, potentially, field research in this final project.
Internet and library research?
Because we’ve used The Curious Writer as our textbook, much of our discussion throughout the semester has dealt with how people interpret what they see, literally, figuratively, and in mass media, and how people report on those interpretations in writing. Consider the essays you found for your proposal to get you started and then find at least five more to develop this longer research essay. Eventually, you will find and use 10 to12 sources from our library databases about your topic and the issue (s) that arises from that topic
Field research ?
If you are able and it relates to your topic and issue, visit a place related to your topic, take notes, and pictures, and get an idea of how the people involved in this place react to your topic and issue.
How will I develop a research question?
Developing key words and preliminary research are the first steps, and a thorough understanding of how to access information through MPC’s research databases will be crucial to taking that first step. Since you’ll be spending a substantial amount of time researching your topic, it’ll be important to find something about your topic that interests you, so start reviewing sources.
How long should it be, and what’s the format?
This research paper will be 8 to 10 pages in length (excluding the works cited page), typed, double-spaced, and, of course, properly MLA documented. The Works Cited page will have 10-12 sources. Do not submit your research paper in a folder or a binder or with a cover page.
