ENG 122 Final Research Paper

ENG122: Composition II Research Paper Guidelines

P a g e | 1 of 6

2015.09

English 122: Composition II

Research Paper Guidelines

You will spend five weeks completing a 5-7 page academic argument in APA style. Each week is devoted to

one phase of the academic writing process:

1. Topic Selection & Beginning Research

2. Pre-Writing & Organization

3. Draft Writing

4. Revision

5. Final Draft

Week 1: Topic Selection & Beginning Research

Select a topic from the list of approved topics that begins on page two of this document. You will be working

with the same topic for the next five weeks. Choose a topic that is interesting but be wary of topics that elicit a

strong emotional response. We will be writing an objective academic paper in third-person perspective, which

may be difficult if you feel too personally connected to the topic.

As you begin to gather research on the topic, start organizing your work into an annotated bibliography. You

will submit your annotated bibliography for grading and feedback at the end of Week 1. You will use a working

thesis statement to guide you. These items may need to be revised before you move forward.

Week 2: Pre-Writing & Organization

After gathering sufficient research, you will begin to build a credible argument about the topic, which may

require revisions to your working thesis statement. You will submit an outline of your academic argument for

grading and feedback at the end of Week 2. The outline may need to be revised before you move forward.

Week 3: Draft Writing

You will utilize your annotated bibliography and outline as tools to write a rough draft essay. The annotated

bibliography provides you with your research notes while the outline guides you through the structure of your

argument. You will submit a rough draft of your academic argument for grading and feedback at the end of

Week 3. You will have time to fully revise your draft over the remaining two weeks of class.

Week 4: Revision

The revision process contains a number of steps that may overlap and repeat. This includes additional research,

more writing, proofreading, editing, and content revision. You must consider and apply the feedback you

received throughout class as you revise your rough draft. You are expected to use Week 4 as an opportunity for

careful and thorough revision.

Week 5: Final Draft

The final week of class will culminate in the submission of your Final Research Paper. This is the final,

complete, error-free version of your academic argument. The final draft is worth 30% of your final grade in this

class.

P a g e | 2 of 6 2015.09

Writing Prompts – Select One for this Class

Prompts have been organized by subject area. Please review all options before making your final selection and

consider selecting a topic from your field of study/major.

Business 1. Some argue that a gender-based income gap is still present in America today. Many sources state that

women make less money than men, regardless of length of time on the job, experience, or education.

Research the debate about the alleged gender income gap and its causes. If you find that a gender gap

exists, argue for at least one solution to this inequality. If you find that a gender gap does not exist,

offer an argument that women are compensated fairly in American workplaces.

2. Many business analysts allege that the music industry is faltering due to outdated record label business

models, inefficient and overly complex artist contract agreements, and other factors. Does current

research support this assessment? Can the music industry be saved by altering its business practices or

does it need a complete overhaul? Argue whether or not the music industry is indeed faltering, and

what can or should be done to improve the business model of the music industry.

3. Telecommuting (working from home) is a growing trend in the workplace. While there might be positive

impacts for the company and employee, there may also be downsides. Research the business impact and

personal impact of telecommuting and argue a well-supported position on the value of telecommuting

today. Is telecommuting a good business practice or is it a bad business practice? Support your

position with evidence.

4. What is the impact of disposable products and packaging in the marketplace and on the environment?

What should be the focus: impact on business or impact on environment? Research the issues and

explain whether new government regulations should be developed to curb over-packaging, or

persuade the reader to believe that the environmental hazards are being overstated. Utilize credible

and scholarly sources to support the argument.

Communications & Liberal Arts 5. Examine the role of the media (e.g. films, television, the news, websites, etc.) in shaping public opinion.

In what ways do the mass media influence public opinion, understanding and prioritization of social and

political issues? Argue whether mass media outlets have a negative for positive effect on public

opinion and what mass media should do to help Americans become informed citizens.

6. Critics allege that social media, 24-hour cable channels, paparazzi, and online tabloids have blurred the

lines between entertainment, big business, and journalism. Some critics have also alleged that these media

outlets have also altered the way journalists fulfill their roles and responsibilities to the American public.

Argue whether or not these media outlets can indeed be considered “journalism” by comparing the

principles and ethics that traditional journalists subscribe to the actions taken by alternative media

reporters and digital journalists.

P a g e | 3 of 6 2015.09

7. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published information regarding the

prevalence of childhood obesity in America today. Some critics argue that advertising for junk food, fast

food, and sugary soft drinks are unethically targeting children and teenagers. Are companies obligated to

adjust their business and advertising models to improve society’s health? Should advertising directed at

children and teenagers be limited by government regulations? Or, should companies have the right to

advertise in any fashion they like without government interference? Argue whether or not the

businesses have, in fact, targeted children and teenagers, and whether or not this should be an

allowable practice.

Education 8. Educational games have moved from a reward in education to an accepted technique for teaching and

learning at all levels (Pre-K – higher education). Argue whether or not educational games have value

in 21st century education and what the value may be. Explain and support your view based on

scholarly sources published within the last five years.

9. Homeschooling has become a popular choice for many families in America. Research the effects of

homeschooling on children and the efficacy of homeschool education today. Argue whether or not

homeschooling is an appropriate educational experience for children or if students are better served

by a traditional on-campus K-12 education.

10. Common Core State Standards are the newest standards in the field of education. Research one state’s

Common Core State Standards and defend or refute the value of the Common Core to better

prepare students for college, military, or the workforce based on the evidence.

11. Distance learning, also known as online learning, has been increasing as an alternative model of

education. Define and explain how this distance learning environment is different from the more

traditional model of school. Research, discuss, and explain the pros and cons of this type of

learning. Make your own argument either for or against online learning for students and support

your viewpoint by using the credible and scholarly resource you have found to support your

argument. Finally, explain why this is an important issue to discuss.

12. Many public schools now require students to wear uniforms. Discuss this topic by explaining some of the

possible reasons for or against this requirement. Argue whether or not school uniforms should be a

requirement in public K-12 schools. Support your viewpoint with relevant scholarly sources that

will support your reasons for making this argument. Finally, discuss why this is an important issue

to consider.

Behavioral Sciences 13. Researchers have documented the physical impacts of poverty, including issues of access to quality food

and availability of safe housing. In addition to the physical impact, poverty can also have a long-lasting

social impact on the community and each individual. Argue whether or not socioeconomic status

affects an individual’s ability to be socially mobile and provide evidence to support your position.

P a g e | 4 of 6 2015.09

14. Discuss the meaning and role of gender equality and women’s empowerment. What does it mean for

women to be empowered at work, in the home, and in higher education? Consider sources that debate

women’s social and historical disadvantages. Argue whether gender inequality remains a problem in

American society and address actions that should be taken to tackle alleged power imbalances. Use

scholarly and credible research to form and support the paper’s position.

15. “Systemic racism” and “institutional racism” are terms used to describe racism that has been built into the

structure of a government and its social institutions. Research the issue of systemic and institutional

racism in the United Stated. Identify the role and function of legal, economic, political and/or

educational systems in perpetuating racism and argue for at least one possible solution to curb

systemic and/or institutional racism in America today. Support all claims with scholarly source

material.

Criminal Justice & Military Studies 16. Americans are afforded the right to peacefully assemble in protest with certain limitations. Peaceful

protests may, however, escalate and result in criminal activity. Argue whether or not the right to

peacefully assemble should be revised or whether it should remain unchanged. Support the

argument with relevant scholarly and credible source material.

17. The American public has recently rallied to ask for body cameras to be mandatory for all police officers to

provide evidence of misconduct in controversial cases. Others have argued that body cameras should be

required to provide evidence of proper police action when officer actions are questioned. Critics, however,

have raised concerns that body cameras violate privacy laws and statutes. Argue whether police body

cameras are a solution for officers in the United States, risk a violation to the privacy of American

citizens, or otherwise impact the relationship between law enforcement and the community.

18. Cyberspace and its infrastructure (servers, cables, etc.) are vulnerable to many risks. Cybercriminals have

the ability to operate from remote locations across the globe to find vulnerabilities in the link between

cyberspace and physical systems/records and critical infrastructure. Argue whether the Department of

Homeland Security doing enough to protect citizens from cybersecurity risks or if there is more to

be done.

19. The trauma of war is not confined to military personnel. War-affected children are left with many

physical, psychosocial, educational and security needs. Explore what being done to address the mental

health needs of war-affected children. Then argue for future steps that need to be taken to better

protect children in warzones.

Health Care 20. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) maintain much controversy when it comes to human health and

the environment. Discuss the main concerns about the effect of genetically modified agriculture on

biodiversity and human health. Argue whether consumers have a right to know if a product contains

genetically modified food and support your position with academic sources.

P a g e | 5 of 6 2015.09

21. Health insurance is a program meant to assist people with the cost of medical services and health-related

procedures. Argue whether access to affordable health insurance should be the responsibility of the

individual, the government, or employers in the United States. Support your position with credible

and scholarly evidence.

22. More women are being encouraged to participate in prenatal genetic testing during their first trimester.

However, there is much debate about whether prenatal genetic testing is appropriate for all pregnant

women due to the occurrence of misleading results and future privacy concerns for the child. Research the

literature from the last five years and develop an argument regarding the use of genetic screening. Argue

whether prenatal genetic testing should be a part of all prenatal care or if it should be reserved for

those with preexisting conditions and/or high risk pregnancies.

23. The aging American population will require extra health and human services in the near future. Some

experts have expressed concern that we are unprepared for the population surge in the geriatric age group.

Develop an argument that explains the necessary steps for the healthcare industry and the federal

government to take to prepare for the needs of aging Americans. Support your position with

academic and scholarly source material.

Public Administration & Political Science 24. Examine two well-documented peace negotiations (e.g. Geneva Convention, Treaty of Versailles, Paris

Peace Accords, etc.). What were the outcomes? Be sure to discuss the complexities and any ongoing

efforts. Based on your research of two peace negotiations, argue whether a non-violent approach is

beneficial in enforcing a peace treaty. Support your argument with scholarly research materials.

25. Choose a statement or speech made by one of the presidential candidates from a current election

campaign. Was the candidate completely truthful or did s/he mislead the public? Argue whether or not

the candidate is a trustworthy and reliable future civil servant or leader based on the statements

they made to the public. Be sure to incorporate multiple credible and scholarly viewpoints to

explore all sides of the issue and refute the counterarguments.

26. Difficulties in the European Union have led to individual nations undertaking austerity measures, which

are drastic cuts in government spending to prevent defaulting on national and public-sector debt. Explore

what makes austerity measures unpopular and how they influence the quantity and quality of government

services. Argue whether austerity measures are an effective means for reducing deficit spending and

government debt or if they cause too much harm to the nation’s citizens. Support your position with

credible and scholarly sources.

27. The United States entered World War II in 1941 immediately after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The

nation mobilized for war as millions of men volunteered for military service and consumer factories

converted to produce material. Americans bought bonds, grew Victory Gardens, and lived with rationing

of food and consumer goods as well as recycling important items like metals and rubber. Argue the ways

in which WWII created new employment opportunities for the poor, women, and racial and ethnic

minorities in America despite the difficult material circumstances.

P a g e | 6 of 6 2015.09

Building on GEN 103 28. If you have taken the GEN 103: Information Literacy course at Ashford University, you developed a

research question and began the process of researching a topic. Drawing on Chapters 1, 4, and Appendix

A in the textbook, turn your topic into a research question that inspires argumentation. For instance, if you

researched, “What are the effects of bullying in public schools?” your question might be: Should schools

implement a zero tolerance policy on bullying? Then, argue a position with scholarly and credible

supporting evidence.

Note: If you select this prompt, you must share your research question with your instructor for approval

by Thursday, Day 3, of the first week of the course.