essay

DETAILS:  Cover page, 3 pages of writing, plus 1 page with a visual image, plus Works Cited page

APA Formatting, using 4 reliable sources

Double-spaced, 1 inch margins

NY Times or Calibri Font, Size 12

OBJECTIVES: 

· This assignment will engage you in Critical Thinking by requiring you to explain your thought process, reasoning, and research when selecting a topic and asserting a position. 

· You will demonstrate a mastery of Written Communication skills by authoring an academic position paper comprised of reliable sources and evidence. Your final paper will be free of mechanical and technical errors and demonstrate careful revision. Your final paper will demonstrate mastery of APA Formatting.

· You will demonstrate your mastery of Personal Responsibility as this assignment will require you to establish a position on a specific issue and explore the ethical issues, while supporting your stance with facts.

· You will demonstrate Social Responsibility as this assignment will require that you consider cultural competency when establishing and arguing for a position. You will demonstrate or suggest the best way to engage your community and others. 

· You will demonstrate a mastery of Visual Communication by using an image, graph, photograph, political cartoon or collage to frame and describe your topic in a visual way.

TOPIC OPTION 1:

Topic Ideas: You may select a topic not listed and submit it for approval. Your topic must be approved before you begin your paper process. Some topic ideas include:

Paper Content:

Each paper topic will create a unique paper.  Below are examples of the substantive issues that need to be addressed. These discussion points are designed to give your paper direction. 

· Clearly define the conflict or debate.

· Explain how the government is involved.

· Explain the constitutional authority for the government's involvement

· Address why the issue is of social importance.

· Address the consequences of government action or government inaction.

· State and defend your opinion.

· Explain your solution to address the issue or conflict.

TOPIC OPTION 2:

Pick a position in the Texas States Government and write a paper on that position. (Governor, Lt. Governor, State Senator, State Representative or any other position).

Paper Content:

In your paper you should:

· Describe the role, explain what does this person does and the sources of this person’s power (i.e. Constitution or another law or bill)

· Who does this person share power with, who does this person report to?

· Who provides a “check and balance” on this position?

· Explain how the role is filled (i.e. appointed or elected and the process).

· Who is the current person in this position and provide background information about this person and major goals/initiatives this individual has in this position?

· Is this person affiliated with a political party? What role does that play in this position (i.e. with election or appointment, with how this person carries out their duties, with decisions the person makes, with accountability)?

· What are the major issues confronting the person in this position currently?

· What is your opinion of this person and why?

· Based on your research, what are the major impacts in history of this position?

PAPER WRITING PROCESS:

Step 1: Select a Topic

Select your topic and submit it for approval.

Step 2: Paper Research (15 points)

Find and read articles about your topic. Read at least 5 articles. Use the library database to help you find reliable sources. Discuss the sources with your professor or a librarian to confirm that you are using reliable sources. Wikipedia is not an acceptable source.

Submit these sources in APA Format on the due date.

Step 3: Paper Outline (15 points)

Prepare an outline of your paper. Decide what points you want to make. Decide how your argument will be organized. A well-developed outline makes the writing process much easier.

Submit your Outline on the due date.

Step 4: Paper Draft (50 points)

Begin writing your paper. Develop your arguments. Write a first draft of your paper. Put in your sources and draft your Works Cited page. Select your visual image to include with the paper.

Submit your Paper Draft on the due date.

Step 5: Final Research Paper (100 points)

Write and rewrite your paper. Revise and edit. Correct grammar and punctuation. Expand your arguments.

Submit your Final Research Paper on the due date.