For this assignment, you will write a 4-6 page argumentative inquiry research paper.
Your topic will be self-chosen, but you must provide a rational for your choice as part of your assignment. The topic may be over any of the topics we’ve covered this semester so far, or you may branch out to a new topic, but all topics must be approved by me first. But, I encourage you to choose a topic that is recent/controversial. Remember that this isn’t just a research paper, but an argumentative one. Part of your argument will be to take a stance on the topic and on the research that you find.
The objective in developing this inquiry-based research essay is probably not like other research essays with which you may be familiar.
In an inquiry-based essay, the development of a research question is the cornerstone of the essay, providing a guideline for you to follow your research wherever the information takes you. The careful formulation of a solid research question about your topic is crucial to ensure your inquiry will be effective. Once you have developed a question–and that question has been approved by your instructor–you’ll conduct research that will help you answer it. Working on this essay will be an opportunity for you to practice again writing a research question and doing research on that question.
Once your research question is finalized, you will look for information that will help you explore and, perhaps, answer your question. Your aim here will be to make use of the research that you discover to help you to shape your essay. To do that, you’ll need to find a variety of sources that are relevant to your topic and read them carefully enough that you’ll be able to summarize their main points for use in your essay. You’ll want to be sure that you’ve included at least one opposing point of view.
The following types of research must be incorporated into your essay:
At least 4 scholarly sources
At least 3 popular media sources
Short Writing Assignments
Throughout the research process, you will write several short writing assignments in various genres. These genre assignments are designed to keep your research focused, to have you reflect on the research process and your sources so that you might better analyze them, and to help you present strong ideas in your essay. Each genre assignment is designed to help you through various stages of your research.
RESEARCH PROPOSAL/PERSUASIVE RESEARCH QUESTION- This proposal will be based on your topic exploration and initial research question. You’ll reflect on what may have inspired the desire for further inquiry, including how you came up with the question, why it might be important, and how you plan to explore the question in your research. If you can’t decide on a single question at this point, write about the top three you have in mind. We’ll work together on narrowing your focus into one final research question. You will need to include:
Your research question with some context. What is it about this question that interests you? Why is it relevant to social justice or social action?
A timeline; by what point will you have completed research for secondary sources?
A description of your audience and the name of a publication and a model essay (with a URL) for which your essay might be appropriate.
A bibliography of the work you have so far completed.
REPORT ON RESEARCH IN PROGRESS: In this report, you will provide an update on your research in progress. You should provide the following information:
Discuss the sources you have found so far and analyze their credibility
Provide details about each source: how was each found, what makes it viable, and how you imagine each one effectively supporting your ideas
Identify a source you found while conducting your research but have discarded, and explain why you are excluding it
Discuss a source you are considering using, but about which you are still unsure, and explain your uncertainty
Identify what’s missing in your research, and speculate about information you are still seeking from additional source
