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Research Paper

1.       Evaluate research and write effectively about complex environmental problems using resources directed toward both a specialist and general audiences;

For this project, you will write a 12 page, double-spaced, well–researched and properly cited work on an environmental issue of your choice. (confirmed/approved by me either in person or via email).   This is a writing-intensive course. Per USC GE requirements, there will be a total of 15 pages of graded writing assignments. We will accomplish this via a 12-15-page paper on environmental issues that will require research and citation of sources. Required number of sources: 10 per paper. The instructor will provide additional guidelines on the required diversity of sources. Also,well as greater details as to the expectations on the paper in a formal paper prompt early in the semester.

For this project, you will write a 12 page, double-spaced, well–researched and properly cited work on an environmental issue of your choice. (confirmed/approved by me either in person or via email).

1.       Identify your issue clearly.  Second, what is the issue?.  Consequently, how was it traditionally defined and what has it meant historically?.  Further, lay out the history of your issue.

2.       What has been this issue’s impact on the world or its local environment?.  Additionally, how is it affecting the social, economic, political, and natural environments of people or of the planet? . Finally, lay out the actual impacts of the issue and describe what’s at stake when considering the issue.

Mitigation

3.       What has been proposed to mitigate (lessen) the impact of this issue on the planet or on human activity?.  Consequenly, what have different groups, nations, political organizations, or prominent people proposed to help address the concerns of this issue?. Furthermore, should we choose mitigation (changing practices to try to improve the issue) or adaptation ? . These should be fairly specific proposals.  summary, you cannot make your own proposals and suggestions for future action if you don’t know what others have proposed.

Proposal

4.       What do you propose is the best course of action to address the impacts of this environmental issue?.  This is YOUR proposal and your voice.   This is your critical analysis of the issue and of what others have proposed and make your own proposal.  It need not be completely unique but it should be yours and your voice.

5.       Finally, what is the likely outcome of these issues politically and socially?.  You get to put on a bit of a predictive hat and tell me how likely action is develop on the issue.

Instructions

6.      All non-original work must be properly cited.  Thus, this is NOT just quotes—it is everything you researched. So, in essays like this, while no more than roughly 10% of the paper should be direct quotes. Consequently, i anticipate about 75% will be cited.  You must have some peer reviewed citations but not all citations need to be peer-reviewed.  But all should be edited (so some news sources are appropriate and statements from public officials as appropriate).

Conclusion

7.       Use the MLA format with parenthetical referencing and a works cited page as a bibliography.

8.       This paper is a double-spaced, pin-point size of either 11 or 12.  The citations do count toward the pages but the works cited paper does not.

9.      The paper is a 12 page paper.  You do not need to manipulate the pages if you go slightly over.  But do not submit more than 15 pages .  If you are considerably less than 12 pages, you should determine where you need to bolster the paper.  While a 11 page paper can be very effective, an 8 page paper is likely too thin on answering the questions.

10.   Paper is due in class Tuesday, April 20, in class at 11 am.  It must be submitted electronically via email to me and to your TA.

Additional Notes

I am happy to review comprehensive outlines of papers, but I will not read the full draft.  In essence, your request for a review is requesting help in content and direction of the paper.  I can accomplish this by reviewing your outline rather than reading all of your prose.  Finally, it also requires that you create a complete outline before writing, a very strong recommendation.

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