Reference no: EM133306474
Politics, Law and Social Justice
Research Paper Outline
Students are required to write a formal 1500-word (4 to 5 pages double spaced- reference page not counted) research paper. The paper requires students to do research in the library, use scholarly sources, and include a reference page/bibliography. Please remember, Wikipedia does not count as a scholarly source.
I am here to help you develop your research topic, find sources, and produce a high- quality paper. Take advantage of this! If you would like help developing your paper, you can schedule an appointment with me. Likewise, though not mandatory if you are choosing one of the provided topics, you are encouraged to send me a research outline with a working thesis statement, key arguments, and a few relevant sources. I can then review your work and provide you with feedback.
If you require help finding scholarly sources or using research programs, such as Jstor, please visit the CBU library or get in contact with one of our fantastic librarians via email. The CBU library and writing centre can also help you with citation protocols if necessary. Below is a link to the library's Steps for Effective Research page.
Citation Style:
Your research paper can be completed in either MLA or APA, I only ask that you keep your formatting consistent.
Tips to Ensure a Strong Research Paper:
• Ask for feedback.
• Set out a strong thesis at the beginning of your paper.
• Consider and address arguments from both sides of the debate. This not only allows you to see multiple perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of your chosen topic, but directly addressing arguments made by those on the other side of a debate strengthens your own arguments and will give your paper both nuance and depth.
• Be organized. Your paragraphs should not try and cover numerous topics at once, instead try and stick with a common theme for each paragraph and ensure that your arguments flow.
• Make sure your references are relevant and back up your arguments well.
• If you include direct quotations make sure these fit into your paper well. If used ineffectively, quotations can often confuse a reader, interrupt the flow of your writing, and muddy your argument.
• Make connections with the course readings.
• Give yourself enough time to research, write, and edit your paper.
• Ensure that you re-read your essay before submission. Reading your work aloud or using the immersive reader function in Word or Google Docs, also makes it easier to catch grammatical errors, unclear arguments, and confusing sentence structures.
Topics:
1.) Apathy or Alienation: Addressing Youth Voter Turnout Trends
2.) Non-Traditional Forms of Engagement: How Canadian Youth are Demanding Change
3.) Politics and the Media Revolution: Assessing the Efficacy and (or) Power of Social Media
4.) Canada's Electoral System: In Need of Reform?
5.) Political Marketing: Debating the Dangers of Vote-Getting Tactics
6.) Deepening Democracy: Public Input and the Power of Citizen Assemblies
7.) Canada's Political Economy: The Rise of Neo-liberalism and its Effects on Policy
8.) Facing Unpleasant Truths: Ongoing Canadian Colonialism
9.) Energy and Climate Politics: Canada's Environmental Report Card
10.) Debating Canadian Multiculturalism: Assimilation or Acceptance?
Each of these suggested topics are intentionally broad and are designed for you to take them in whichever direction you choose. You may develop your own research topic, but if you choose to do this, you must submit a research outline-containing a working thesis statement, a list of key arguments, and a couple of potential sources-and gain my approval before moving forward with your paper. This research outline must be submitted by November 14 to provide ample time for me to approve your topic, and for you to make any changes I may see fit.