Final: 8 to 10 page Research Essay

8-10 page Research Essay: Argue the State of a State

ENGL102

Worth: 350 points (35% of course grade); 250 points for final draft and 100 points for process dates

Important Dates:

·       Tuesday and Wednesday, 8/9 and 8/10: do Library Research Assignments during normal class time: Do you work on a computer lab or on library computers, and save to USB/e-mail:

o   25 points: Tuesday, by 2:30pm: check-in P3 121 (my office) with 1) outline and 2) a book source

o   25 points: Tuesday, by midnight:  At least two (2) pages of essay typed, uploaded to Blackboard, Unit 4

o   50 points:  Wed., by 2:30pm: check-in P3 121 with 1) Work Cited page with all of sources cited correctly and 2) upload a draft of at least six (6) pages to Blackboard, Unit 4.

·       Thur., 8/11: Research Essay (2000-2500 words/8 to 10 pages) due by 2:30pm on Blackboard, Unit 4: Final Research Submission

Requirements:

·       2000 – 2500 effective words, which approximates to 8 to 10 pages.

·       MLA Format: double-spaced paragraphs; 12-point Times New Roman or Cambria font

·       Include MLA in-text citation and a Work Cited page (not included in minimum page count)

·       Ten reliable, evaluated, academic sources:

o   At least two sources should provide history of state information

o   At least three sources should cite laws of the state  (including the state’s Constitution)

o   At least one source should be a study done on the larger discrimination issue, the closer to your subject matter the better

o   At least one source should be on an influential person or business—a source that discusses the impact that person has had on the state

o   At least one source that breaks down important socioeconomic demographics in that state—the source should be as current as possible

·       Single space header on left side:

Student name

ENG 102

8-10 Page Research

Title (Centered)

Essay Topic/Purpose:

First, pick a demographic that you find is marginalized by larger society. Then, choose one of the states of the United States and research its history (laws, famous citizens, famous events), so that you may make an argument for reasons it legally and/or culturally marginalizes that demographic of its citizens. (You may use 3-4 sources from your prior, shorter research essay, considering our summer course time constraints).

In a way, you are researching where the heritage of a state comes from; you are exploring the historical cultural norms and beliefs that play a role in how a state treats its own people today, in 2016. You are trying to understanding what has gone on in the past that informs the present and future of a state. You are making yourself an amateur historian and critiquing society. You can argue what needs to change in that state, based on your analysis of sources. You can argue how the state has progressed, again based on what you find.

Look for state laws that allow for discrimination. Look for studies that show statistics of discrimination. Look for material on major political figures, major businesses, and major events. Start your research at the .gov website for your state.