I have chosen the topic of the balance between motherhood and career
2500-3000 words
8-10 pages
Due last day of class
For the purposes of your research paper, you should choose an issue that is controversial and relevant to society today. Find an issue that you feel strongly about and one in which you would like to see change. You might want to keep in mind some of the readings and discussions we will have in this class. Your goal is to explore the main issue of your topic and analyze the many sides of the debate. You will be making an argument in this essay and proposing your own solution to the problem.
You will want to begin by showing the conversation your paper is responding to: (They Say”), have a clear statement of your own argument (“I Say”), include quotes and incorporate them smoothly, point out possible objections to your argument, use appropriate transitions, and explain why the issue matters. You might also consider adding metacommentary and finding ways to include your own voice even though this is academic writing.
For this essay, it is your job to make a claim that proposes a practice or policy that addresses a current social, economic, or political problem or need. This policy or practice must be oriented toward action, directed at the future, and appropriate to a specific audience.
The aim of this argument is positive and constructive: it is your goal, then, to convince readers to solve a common problem in a particular way. This type of argumentation assumes that, in order to get your reader to consider alternatives, it is necessary to reduce their sense of threat. Hence, argumentation becomes an effort not to defeat an opponent but to bridge differences by finding or creating common ground.
Where to begin
When you write a proposal argument, you must analyze a subject about which there is disagreement, and you must take a stand (or position) on it. A good proposal does two things: it defines a problem and argues for a particular solution. This requires you to be directly engaged in writing for a specific audience. You must construct an argument, giving reasons and support, while considering the objections and questions of your reader. Proposals go further than an argument in that they urge your reader to take some sort of action (they are persuasive). Whether or not your reader will agree with your solution will depend on the strength of your argument.
You will need at least six sources in your list of Works Cited, and you must cite from a minimum of three different types of sources. Types of sources include book, periodical, newspaper, website, or video. Of course, you may cite from any source more than once. Do not include in your list of Works Cited any source you did not cite from and do list every source you cited from. You will want to find two to three times as many sources as you plan to use in your paper because not all sources will be applicable to your thesis. You must have a works cited page as the final page of your paper titled as such. Please follow MLA guidelines for writing research papers.
As soon as you have decided, write a one-page proposal and submit it for approval explaining what topic you’ve chosen and any others you considered. Describe your decision making process and think ahead to the research process. How will you investigate this topic? What sorts of sources will you look for? What questions or concerns do you have about the project?
Sample research paper schedule
Weeks one to two
Choose a research topic, and pose a worthwhile question.
Locate print and electronic sources.
Develop a working bibliography.
Weeks two to three
Evaluate and analyze your sources.
Read your sources, taking complete and accurate notes.
Develop a preliminary thesis.
Weeks four to five
Write a draft of your paper, including sources that you have summarized, paraphrased, and quoted.
Visit the Writing Center for help with revision, if necessary. We will also have workshops in class.
Decide on a final thesis and modify your outline.
Revise your paper and properly cite all borrowed materials
Prepare a list of works cited.
Week six
Prepare the final manuscript and proofread.
Submit your research project.
The completed project must include
MLA Cover sheet
MLA Formal Outline
8-10 page paper with a Works Cited page
Working bibliography
Notes
Approved proposal
