Reference no: EM132380151 , Length: word count:5000

Research Paper Assignment -

Research Paper Goal: To prepare yourself to handle challenging questions. Research papers provide the opportunity for you to go from knowing relatively little about a topic, to developing a level of expertise. You learn to evaluate the credibility and reliability of information sources, frame and reframe your thoughts on the topic, and use logic to communicate your findings. The process develops your ability to think critically, which is an asset in every field of work.

How to Get Started:

a) Choose an area of International Trade Law that interests you (or see attached 'Topic Ideas');

b) Get a framework of the current academic debates/issues in your chosen area by reading:

i. Academic journals;

ii. Credible current events resources; and

iii. Credible statistics, if any, by Govt. affiliated surveys and agencies

c) Narrow down your topic and choose an area to focus on; and

d) Submit your proposed topic and outline to the Instructor for approval by the above Deadline.

Elements of a Research Paper:

a) Draft an outline for your paper;

b) Include a "topic sentence" for each paragraph that clearly coveys the matter discussed below;

c) Support your findings with evidence from your sources;

d) Identify and address any challenges to your argument;

e) Develop a clear, cohesive argument using effective language; and

f) Use proper grammar (free resource: Douglas College Peer Tutors to peer review your paper).

Time Management:

a) This is big task. Make it manageable by breaking it down into smaller tasks;

b) Make a timeline - schedule time to research, read, write and edit;

c) Stick to your timeline - there are no shortcuts; the more time and effort you dedicate to this project, the better your paper (& critical thinking skills) will become;

d) Be realistic with your time estimates (eg 1 hour research time to locate and assess each academic source);

e) Start early - leave time to revise;

f) Read and take notes as you progress through your research phase; and

g) Keep flexible. As you better understand the issues, your research focus may shift.

Your Central Argument:

a) Expect changes to the central argument of your paper as your subject expertise develops;

b) An easy mistake to avoid is setting yourself up to argue a "truism" - something so obvious, it isn't worth taking the time to argue it (for example, thermal bridging causes heat loss);

c) When writing, give your argument context, but avoid filling pages with background facts;

d) Take the time to explore/research new ideas that emerge during your reading and notetaking phase. These questions are usually what make your paper interesting; and

e) Use CITATIONS for EVERY idea that is not your own.

Sources: Academic Sources are peer reviewed, which means subject experts assessed the paper, for quality and accuracy, before it was published. Examples of Academic Sources include academic journal articles, published expert reports and books. Many of these sources are available at the Douglas College library. If you need help, ask a Douglas College Research Librarian. Newspapers and similar media may be included, but they are NOT Academic Sources and do not count toward the expected 5 or more Academic Sources for your paper.

Citations:

a) Cite all ideas that are not your own, original work, even those from non-scholarly sources;

b) EVERY SENTENCE containing words or ideas that are not your own MUST be followed by a citation, giving credit to the original author;

c) If unsure, ask; and

d) Please familiarize yourself with the Douglas College Academic Integrity Policy.

Attachment:- Research Paper Assignment File.rar