Problem/Solution Paper
kellynndione
English101Paper4ProblemSolution2018MW.docxEnglish 101
Fall 2018
Paper 4
Dr. Andrew J. Kunka
Problem/Solution Paper
For the final paper, you will need to research a specific problem or issue that is connected to the topics of internet culture and technology and offer a solution or solutions to that problem. Your research for this assignment will need to be extensive; therefore, general information sites like Wikipedia should be the beginning point and not the endpoint for your research. You will need a minimum of four credible sources for this paper. One of the goals of this paper is to demonstrate your ability to gather information from credible sources, incorporate it correctly and effectively into your writing, and cite it properly.
Your paper will explain the problem in detail, describing its history, offering examples, and stating its significance to the reader. The solution you offer should be reasonable, manageable, and logical. You should also address all sides of the topic and alternative solutions in your paper, so using credible, balanced sources will be important.
What makes a source credible? First, it is usually any source that has gone through some kind of editorial process. So, if the source is a blog, article, or page tied to a well-known news or information source (CNN, Wired, ABC News, New York Times, etc.), then you can consider the source credible. Other sources may require some further investigation in order to determine their credibility.
Below is a list of topics that could serve as the focus for your paper. You are not limited to this list, but if you have a topic that you wish to write about, you should consult with me before beginning research. There are a variety of problems within each of these general topics, so make sure you focus your discussion on a specific problem.
Privacy The Filter Bubble Intellectual Property/Copyright Piracy
Information Literacy Facebook’s Timeline Advertising Russian Election Hacking
Social Media’s Role in Politics and the News Public Shaming Children and Technology
Working Conditions in Overseas Factories that Produce Current Technology Spam
Memes Celebrity Culture The Shift from Old Media to New Media
Digital Immigrants vs. Digital Natives Surveillance Sexual Harassment Trolling
Internet Addiction Doxing Wikileaks
Here are some questions to consider for your paper:
1) When did the problem start? How long has it been occurring?
2) Who or what is the source of the problem?
3) Who has a stake in the problem and solution you are arguing about? Who does it affect?
4) Who is best suited to enact your solution?
5) What are some specific examples of the problem?
6) What solutions have been tried or proposed before? Did they work or fail? Why?
7) Has your solution been tried or been proposed before?
8) What are the costs of your solution?
9) Does your solution have a reasonable chance of success? (Note that your solution does not have to be 100% guaranteed, but just reasonable.)
These questions are meant to help you brainstorm and research your topic. Do not use this list as an outline for your paper.
The paper should be four pages minimum, double-spaced, and in MLA style paper and citation format.
Important Dates:
November 26: Topics Due on Blackboard
December 5: Writing Group Draft Due
