Research Paper

Please research a contemporary social issue about which there is a reasonable amount of debate. You can select pretty much anything, as long as you don't recycle topics we've already covered in class (such as mandatory arbitration).

Off limit topics include abortion and the death penalty.

Your topic should be specific and tangible. Don't try and discuss everything about the issue. Consider it in within a smaller context, in one time and place. For example, you could argue for or against legalization of marijuana in the state of California. Or, you could argue for or against the banning of certain chemicals in dry cleaning shops in your hometown.

Paper should be three to four pages, typed and double spaced. An additional Works Cited page should be included.

You need three to four scholarly, or professional outside research sources to incorporate into your paper. These can all be from the Internet. Please remember to use .gov and .org sites exclusively. You may also use Google Scholar, and the library's database (Jillian can show you how to do this).

You are very welcome to email Professor Durbin with any questions as you work on your paper this weekend. A two page rough draft is due on Monday, along with a Works Cited page so your professor can see your sources.

Good luck!