Research and Writing 303 - Recently Updated Pages

the Subtopics

ericnyork — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 09:16:03 CDT

Notice that the subtopics divide the research section into logical parts.

The first subtopic should provide background, history or context for the research question. It generally explains how and why the situation has developed as it has. It expands upon the introduction. The purpose of this section is to provide the reader with background information, enough for the reader to understand the problem.

Each section begins with a subtitle. The subtitle is centered; no lines are skipped. The subtitle should be identical to the subtopic that is listed in the plan of the essay. The only difference is that the subtitle is capitalized like a title, in other words, the first word of the title and the first word of the subtitle and all significant words begin with upper-case letters.

The last subtopic is the conclusion. You can use the research question or the answer to the research question for the subtopic. In the conclusion you must answer the research question. You explain your opinion of the matter. However, do not forget to quote and paraphrase your sources. As in your Iran paper, the way that you quote and paraphrase your sources should show the reader whom you agree with and whom you disagree with.

the Research Paper

ericnyork — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 15:23:48 CDT

Have a look through this research paper from a previous semester. Then click on the links to the right for more information. Pay careful attention to the section on the research question, as your next step will be to formulate a research question.

Here is a sample research paper from last semester.

Have a look.

Please note:

page 2: the abstract
page 3: the introduction
page 4: the plan of the essay
page 4: the research question
page 4: the subtopics

the subtitles

Click on each of the above links.

the Research Question

ericnyork — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:16:16 CDT

A research paper must have a research question. The research question narrows the focus of the paper to a specific issue. The research question is a real question--a real problem--that the research paper must answer.

In the sample student paper, we saw that the last paragraph of the introduction is the plan of the essay. The plan of the essay states the research question and it breaks the research question into smaller parts, subtopics or subquestions. These are listed as follows:

The topic of this research paper is: do remittances spur development in social services? There are many aspects to this controversial topic; this paper will address the following questions:
1. How large is the problem?
2 How many tertiary-educated individuals are emigrating?
3. What is the role of remittances in developing countries?
4. What are the roles of diaspora communities and developing countries?
5. What are the effects of absent skilled workers?
6. What is the price of lost labor?
7. Do remittances spur development in social services?

The student has analyzed her topic carefully. The problem of remittances involves several issues--the role of those educated individuals who immigrate to the United States or Europe, the role of the overseas community, the absence of skilled workers, lost labor, etc. She has addressed each of these issues with a subtopic or a subquestion. Look at her research paper. Each subtopic listed in her plan of the essay is a separate section in her paper. And in each section, a subtopic listed in the plan of the essay reappears as a subtitle for that section.

While this student has 7 subtopics, you should have 4-5.

Notice that this student uses the research question as the title of the paper and also as the final subtopic. The research question can also be the final subtopic because in the final section the student gives her answer to the research question.

A good research question
1. cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no”
2. does not elicit facts as answers
3. poses a serious problem that can be answered by research
4. often addresses a controversial issue
5. is very specific—appropriate for an 10-page paper
6. is based on knowledge of the topic

McDonald's, globalization and culture.

Rosemari — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:56:36 CDT

McDonald’s in Globalization
Globalization has affected almost every aspect of life in almost every nation. From economic to social to culture, this widespread exchange of goods, services and ideas have influenced changes around the world. Even though the cultural influence in globalization is of slight significance to policy makers, its power has tremendous consequences to the nations involved and its people. Food is an important element in defining culture. Britannica (2007). “Food is the oldest global carrier of culture.” (para. 1). Any changes in the foods that we eat, in its preparation, the way it is served and consumed diminishes the traditional beliefs of the people.

One of the most influential changes came with the introduction of fast food restaurants like McDonald’s into foreign countries. Transformations have taken place which could be perceived as beneficial or corrupting to that culture. According to William Gould (1996), before the introduction of McDonald’s overseas “fast food was almost unknown. McDonald’s was the first company to try to export America’s love of fast food and changes in eating habits of other nations.” Catherine Schnaubelt (u.d.) in her study, has found that “McDonald’s has over 1.5 million franchises in the United States and about half of the total franchises are outside the U.S. in over 120 countries……Amidst all the fame and fortune of McDonald’s, there are concerns about how the spread of standardization of the franchise is affecting culture, attitudes and the environment.” (p.49).

The globalization of McDonald’s has raised many debates on both sides of the issue. The pro- globalization belief is that it enhances culture rather than adulterate. Radley Balko (2003), states that “In most communities, in fact, the McDonald’s has conformed to the local culture not the other way around. The McDonald’s corporation notes that most of its overseas franchises are locally owned, and thus make efforts to buy from local communities. McDonald’s also alters its regional menus to conform to local taste.” (para. 12).

There has been a loss of traditional values with the introduction of non traditional food into the culture of foreign countries. The types of foods are symbolic to particular regions, religions and morés. In India, to the Hindu people, the cow is considered to be sacred as part of its religion. According to the AsianInfo.org (2007), “Diversity can be found in India’s food as well as its culture, geography and climate.”(para. 1). “Although a number of religions exist in India, the two cultures that have influenced Indian cooking and food habits are the Hindu and the Muslim tradition.” (para. 3). With the introduction of non traditional foods into this society, as with many others, there are adverse effects on the traditions it tries to uphold.

McDonald’s is viewed as American and the movement away from traditional foods towards fast food is considered to be “Americanization” of the diet. This concept has more far reaching effects than is seen on the surface. The “Americanization” of the food also means that of the culture and a way of thinking which in not acceptable to many nations. Sebastian Mallaby (2007), writes that “Hyperpower invites backlash, and McDonald’s has not escaped such consequences. In 1999 a French farmer named Jose Bove ransacked a McDonald’s and became a hero of the anti- globalization.” (para.5). The restaurant stands as a symbol of an unwanted change sweeping across the borders of culture and tradition.

The content of the McDonald’s diet has long been an issue of contention with nutritionist. In his book Fast Food Nation, Eric Schlosser (2002), states that “By eating like Americans people all over the world are beginning to look more like Americans, at least in one respect. The United States has one of the highest obesity rate of any industrialized nation in the world.” (p. 240). “As people eat more meals outside the home, they consume more calories, less fiber and more fat.” (p. 241). The introduction of unhealthy eating habits as a result of the preamble of foreign foods into outside nations significantly affects the traditional culture. The World Health Organization (2002), believe that “within the next few years, noncommunicable disease will become the principal cause of morbidity and mortality…….The shift towards highly refined foods and towards meat and dairy products containing high levels of saturated fats,….contribute to rises in incidences of obesity and noncommunicable disease.” (p.952).

Not only has the content of the diet been an issue but also the way in which food is consumed. As the name implies it is “fast food” There is a movement away from a family oriented dining to individual dining. In a chart featured by Gardenswartz and Rowe (u.d.) shows that while mainstream American culture focuses on eating as a necessity and towards fast food other cultures view dining as a social experience with religion playing an important role in its practice. They value group orientation and conformity to facilitate harmony among families whereas American culture has a preference towards individualism and independence from each other.

Gobalization of fast food culture has also proven desirable to the nations involved and their populations. Mallaby (2007), states that “As America’s car culture spread abroad, the hamburger followed. McDonald’s has opened restaurants in 119 countries and serves 52 million people daily.” (para. 3). “The appeal of the American way seems to transcend all boundaries. When McDonald’s opened its first restaurant in Kuwait in 1994, 15,000 customers formed a seven mile line at the drive through.” (para. 4).

These are just some of the concerns which affect the issue of food culture and globalization. Many more arise as a result of the introduction of fast food restaurants like McDonald’s into diverse cultures around the world. Some changes are embraced by the population while others are seen as a threat to the way of life that has been established for centuries. Some are adverse to the idea of globalization as a hold and perceive McDonald’s as a representation of this ideal and as a result hold them responsible. The question arises; does the globalization of McDonald’s adversely or positively affect the culture of different nations?

Even though there has been many changes in the eating habits of the nations influenced by the introduction of McDonald's there has been many positive aspects. With the advancement of technology and communication the world itself seem to be moving at a faster pace. The advent of fast food into foreign cultures allows the opportunity to keep up with this fast pace. Culture is ever changing and thus McDonald's marks another step in the evolution of culture with the changes in has brought about. The menu has given people a new choice over the traditional foods eaten in the past.

The McDonaldized institution has really spread across continents giving rise to a number of indigenous fast food chains. There is also the case of Asianization where Asian cuisine such as Fried rice is rapidly spreading all over the world. Unemployed youth are taking advantage of the McDonaldized institution to set up fast food businesses on the streets. This can be called fast food-street food. There are good and bad sides to this phenomena therefore we need to find out the bad sides and improve upon them. Some traditional foods may also come with problems especially in terms of health so while we criticise fast food we should also analyze some traditional food at least for their nutritional importance.

Summer 2009

ericnyork — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:06:06 CDT

Tuesday June 2 Computer lab

Ning and Google docs sign-up: Please fill out the student email form to the left. I will send you an invitation to Ning.
Google docs
Open two browser windows, one for searching, and one for note taking. Open a Google doc and give it a title; use for note taking. Keep track of the sites you visit, the articles you read and the stories you investigate--mention the main points, and any considerations as to whether the story would make a good class theme. Important: when you mention a specific article or web site, copy the address into your notes.
Our next job is to survey news sites to look for ideas for the class theme. The class theme is a general research topic for the entire semester. The class theme will be divided into group topics, and the group topics will be divided into individual projects.
Each student will be required to propose a class theme and to briefly explain why it would be a good theme and to suggest how it might be broken into two or three group topics. We will do this on Ning once we are up and running. At the end of the week the class will decide by voting on the class theme.
Practice blog--How you feel about taking a writing class in the summer.
When you have an idea for a class theme, blog it.

Use these sites

NEW YORK TIMES
ANTIWAR.COM
BBC
CNN
MSNBC
FOXNEWS
GOOGLE NEWS
ABCNEWS
WASHINGTON POST

Tips:

Many of these news sites have sections for international or world news.

When you see a story that interests you, use the site's search function to look for more articles on that story.

The Home

ericnyork — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:20:53 CDT

Summer 2009

Spring 2009

Assignments Monday, April 6 research paper--start here Wednesday April 1 Please complete wiki nickname form Wednesday, March 25 "Help for Georgia" quiz Help for Georgia: Responses Scroll all the way to the right to see your score. You may take the quiz multiple times to increase your score. Please complete two brief surveys: Home page evaluation Project page evaluation Wednesday, March 18 List of sources due 1. Today: work on group wiki intro--rewrite, edit, proofread. It can still be changed later. You can insert photo and change name of page and insert logo. See Russia ef1 for ideas of what can be done. 2. Today: the next task is for each member to the group to post a project paragraph on the projects page. The project paragraph should introduce the reader to your topic. It is an introductory statement about of what your topic is and why it interests you and what your research plans are. It can be a personal statement rather than a purely academic statement. The paragraph should have three links to newspaper articles or websites that are relevant to your topic. You should work the links into a discussion of your topic. Here is an example of an article that links to other articles. 3. paste the topic name and the project paragraph on the project page. Let me know if your group needs more boxes. pay attention to to-dos 4. Monday: VERY IMPORTANT--meet in 1c15. We will be working as a class and in groups on writing and editing the editorial. This class will be observed by another faculty member. Please be on time and participate fully. Please read your email between today and Monday, as I will be sending more information and two more online quizzes to prepare for Monday. I will also ask some students to act as group leaders for Monday. These students will be notified by email. PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL DAILY BETWEEN TODAY AND MONDAY. Thank you for your cooperation. 5. If you did not do so, please email me your Iran paper. Also, finish the editorials.assignment. Monday, March 16 list of sources due Wed. Sign up for group wikis. Groups: one paragraph introduction for wiki home page. Announcement: Next Monday, March 23 meet in 2C01 to work on editorials Begin work on editorials. ---------------------------------- Wednesday, March 11 1. Sign up for a Google alert for your research topic. Have it sent to your email address. You can sign up for more than one for better coverage. 2. Work on the list of sources. Remember this is a preliminary list to get you started. You may or may not use all of these preliminary sources; you will certainly need to find more sources as you become more familiar with your topic and you know what you are looking for. 3. Make sure you understand the APA forms for books, magazine articles, news articles, web sites and scholarly articles. Use my handbook and the APA References link (in the column to the right). This assignment is due Monday, March 16. You must hand in correctly formatted APA References list. ------------------------------------------------------- Monday, March 9 1. complete group topics form 2. see if research topic is approved 3. begin work on list of sources (due Monday, March 17) -------------------------------------------- Begin the research process First Essay: Iran and the United States For this assignment, you must print out the Handbook and Preparing to Write the First Essay (but you should also read this online, so you can follow the links).	Resources Globalization Links Globalization Video APA In-text Citation APA References Sample APA paper Handbook

Assignments

Monday, April 6

research paper--start here

Wednesday April 1

Please complete wiki nickname form

Wednesday, March 25

"Help for Georgia" quiz

Help for Georgia: Responses
Scroll all the way to the right to see your score. You may take the quiz multiple times to increase your score.

Please complete two brief surveys:

Home page evaluation

Project page evaluation

Wednesday, March 18

List of sources due

1. Today: work on group wiki intro--rewrite, edit, proofread. It can still be changed later. You can insert photo and change name of page and insert logo. See Russia ef1 for ideas of what can be done.

2. Today: the next task is for each member to the group to post a project paragraph on the projects page. The project paragraph should introduce the reader to your topic. It is an introductory statement about of what your topic is and why it interests you and what your research plans are. It can be a personal statement rather than a purely academic statement. The paragraph should have three links to newspaper articles or websites that are relevant to your topic. You should work the links into a discussion of your topic. Here is an example of an article that links to other articles.

3. paste the topic name and the project paragraph on the project page. Let me know if your group needs more boxes.

pay attention to to-dos

4. Monday: VERY IMPORTANT--meet in 1c15. We will be working as a class and in groups on writing and editing the editorial. This class will be observed by another faculty member. Please be on time and participate fully. Please read your email between today and Monday, as I will be sending more information and two more online quizzes to prepare for Monday. I will also ask some students to act as group leaders for Monday. These students will be notified by email. PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL DAILY BETWEEN TODAY AND MONDAY. Thank you for your cooperation.

5. If you did not do so, please email me your Iran paper. Also, finish the editorials.assignment.

Monday, March 16

list of sources due Wed.
Sign up for group wikis.
Groups: one paragraph introduction for wiki home page.
Announcement: Next Monday, March 23 meet in 2C01 to work on editorials
Begin work on editorials.

----------------------------------
Wednesday, March 11

1. Sign up for a Google alert for your research topic. Have it sent to your email address. You can sign up for more than one for better coverage.

2. Work on the list of sources. Remember this is a preliminary list to get you started. You may or may not use all of these preliminary sources; you will certainly need to find more sources as you become more familiar with your topic and you know what you are looking for.

3. Make sure you understand the APA forms for books, magazine articles, news articles, web sites and scholarly articles. Use my handbook and the APA References link (in the column to the right). This assignment is due Monday, March 16. You must hand in correctly formatted APA References list.

-------------------------------------------------------
Monday, March 9

1. complete group topics form

2. see if research topic is approved

3. begin work on list of sources

(due Monday, March 17)

--------------------------------------------
Begin the research process

First Essay: Iran and the United States

For this assignment, you must print out the Handbook and Preparing to Write the First Essay (but you should also read this online, so you can follow the links).

Resources

Globalization Links

Globalization Video

APA In-text Citation

APA References

Sample APA paper

Handbook

the Introduction

ericnyork — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 16:20:38 CDT

In an APA research paper, the introduction does not present a thesis. Rather, it asks a question—the research question. You answer your research question in the conclusion, not the introduction.

The introduction gives the reader a brief overview of the research paper. It often begins by referring to a recent news event, or to an ongoing situation, that suggests the gravity of the situation. You might include a striking statistic in the first paragraph as to indicate the seriousness of the topic.

A second paragraph often tells the reader, very briefly, how the situation has developed, often referring to specific policies, decisions and events that have shaped the present.

Often a third paragraph will state the controversy, and the main argument of each side.

The final paragraph of the introduction is the plan of the essay. It states the research question and lists the subtopics and subquestions.

News reference	Every year developing countries lose a large amount of highly skilled workers to developed countries.
statistic	For instance, Malawi is afflicted with Africa’s most severe nurse shortages. According to Roisin (n.d.), “More registered nurses have left to work abroad than the 336 who remain in the country’s public hospitals and clinics that serve most of its 11.6 million people” (para.6). This decreases the developing country’s human capital and thus its economic, social, and political sectors deteriorate.
Past policies that lead to the current situation	Governmental policies such as the H-1 visa program in the United States increased the mobility of these people. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952 was responsible for bringing “workers of distinguished merit and ability into the country on a temporary basis to fill positions that were themselves of limited duration” (Kapur & McHale, 2005, p.54). This law has encouraged the exodus of millions of emigrants throughout the last half of the twentieth century.
controversy	The flow of highly skilled professionals from developing countries to industrial countries is controversial.
both sides of the debate	Supporters suggest that emigrants play a key role in the development of their home country. This is achieved by remittances, inward investments, and increased trade flows. However, critics argue that the loss of human capital decreases developing countries’ overall economic growth. plan of the essay paragraph
plan of the essay
research question	do remittances spur development in social services? T
subtopics	1. How large is the problem? 2 How many tertiary-educated individuals are emigrating? 3. What is the role of remittances in developing countries? 4. What are the roles of diaspora communities and developing countries? 5. What are the effects of absent skilled workers? 6. What is the price of lost labor? 7. Do remittances spur development in social services?

editorials

ericnyork — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 21:47:07 CDT

1. Begin here.

2. Read another editorial.

3. Take the graded quiz.

4. Annotate the editorial.

List of sources

ericnyork — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 10:21:17 CDT

Required:

2 books
3 magazine articles
2 scholarly articles
3 web sites
4 news articles

These sources must be properly formatted as an APA References page to receive credit for this assignment.

Books

CUNY+

Click on "Search Individual CUNY Libraries" to search the York library.

Click on "Select all CUNY Libraries" to search the entire system.

Speak to the York College librarians for interlibrary loans.

Also: Queens Public Library and New York Public library.

Also: Google Books. Check "Full view books."

CUNY Library

Magazine articles

You must have three articles from popular magazines, like Time, Newsweek, Business Week, the Economist, the New Yorker, USNews, the Nation, the New Republic, etc.

These magazines all have web sites; check them for articles.

Mostly you will use the Academic Search Premier and Lexis Nexis databases for magazine articles.

Go to Electronic Databases. (You can access these databases from home using the number above the bar code on your York id.)

Academic Search Premier

Check "Full Text"
For "Publication Type," choose "Periodical"
Enter search terms
Search
At the top of the results list, you can choose between "Academic Journals" and "Magazines." Choose "Magazines" for magazine articles.

Lexis Nexis

Select "Major U.S. and World Publications "

After search, select Magazines and Journals from list at left.

Scholarly articles

Scholarly articles are available from the Electronic Databases--especially JStor and Project Muse.

Also try Academic Search Premier

Check "Full Text"
For "Publication Type," choose "Periodical"
Enter search terms and search.
At the top of the results list, you can choose between "Academic Journals" and "Magazines." Choose "Academic Journals" for scholarly articles.

Also: Eldis

Also: Try Google Scholar. Although most articles are not available for free, many are.

Web sites

You must have at least three web sites.

News sites

You must have at least one relevant article from each of the following:

abcnews.com
bbc.com
cnn.com
foxnews.com
msnbc.com
New York Times (you can get this article from a database)

Preparing sources to show me

Prepare an APA References list, based on the following:

APA References

book:

Jones, R. (1983). Globalization and the poor: A survey. New York: Harpers.

article from database:

Ortega, D. (2004). International aid and development. Economy and Society,18(4), 180-195. Retrieved from Lexis Nexis database.

The first number following the name of the periodical is the volume number; the number in parentheses is the issue number. Use these if they are available.

Note: period after retrieved statement

web site:

Singh, T., & Brower, J. (2006). Debt and power. GlobalIssues.org. Retrieved from http://www.globalissues.org/articles/debt.htm

Note: no period after retrieved statement

Note: for news site, use the home page address in the retrieved statement.

stand-alone internet document without web site:

Linn, K. (2001) Report on international development. Retrieved from http://ucla.edu/students/papers/inter/lk.htm

If there is no author, begin with title, then date, etc.

If there is no date, use: (n.d.)

For others, see APA Manual

group topics form

ericnyork — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 14:49:55 CDT

Education for women in the Middle East

han004 — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 15:15:13 CST

Globalization effects Middle Eastern women's education

Research Process

ericnyork — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 21:12:54 CST

Each student must choose a group: Africa or energy or Iraq and Afghanistan or Russia or Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Each student will be responsible for an individual research paper; at the same time, each student will work with his or her group to set up a group wiki. I will give you more information about the wiki when the time comes. For now, you must complete the following steps.
1. Complete the form below for your class section, CD or EF1. Click on the link and complete the form.
2. Check your email. During class I will email you your group assignment and the names of your group members.
3. Each group must meet and select one member as its computer/internet expert. That person will meet with me during the class period to set up a group mailing list. Choose the person most knowledgeable about computers.
4. Each member of the group must choose a specific research topic by Monday. It is important to use the group mailing list to keep in touch as you look for a topic because each student must have an individual topic. If two or more students wish to work on a similar topic, each student must choose one aspect of that topic.
5. If you want to see relevant topics submitted by class members, click here.

Topic Forms:

CD

EF1

First Essay

ericnyork — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 16:40:35 CST

The first essay concerns the debate over globalization and inequality . Some authors argue that globalization causes inequality. Others argue that globalization reduces inequality, or is not the primary cause of inequality.

You must describe the debate and defend your thesis--your opinion.

The paper is 3-4 pages, includes a properly formatted title page, and uses APA citation and References.

In this essay, you will:

describe the debate over globalization and inequality
state the main arguments for the position that globalization does not cause inequality
state the main arguments for the position that globalization causes inequality
decide between (2) and (3)
present evidence that helps you decide between (2) or (3)

This essay is based on the these sources. You may use additional sources.

As you read this material, you will see short exercises related to the essay assignment. The first one is below, on this page.

The following exercises should be completed online:

grade student essays
main points of "Incomes and Inequality"
definitions of argument, claim/thesis, evidence, counterargument
conservative vs. liberal
thesis statements

The following exeercises should be submitted in the first essay folder:

paraphrase
paraphrase and quotation of two passages
correct References mistakes
editing for wordiness

Globalization links

Sources for first essay

First Essay Sequence

Exercise

Read student essays:

One
Two
Three

Grade each essay A or B or C; explain your grade in a few sentences.

Next: Reading sources

Mini-research

ericnyork — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 16:39:59 CST

Mini-research Sequence

Please complete the six mini-research projects. You can open Word and write your answers in a Word document, or you can use Google Docs and keep your documents on the Internet. If you use Google Docs, you have to open extra tabs or windows in your browser. For example, you might use one window for the wiki, another window for Google Search, and a third window for Google Docs.

One: "Fifty Boys"
Two: "War's Chaos"
Three: "At Unforgiving Arizona-Mexican Border"
Four: "Fearing Protectionism"

"The Income Gap"
"More Pain Than Gain"

Editing Worksheet

ericnyork — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 16:32:03 CST

Print this document and bring it to class with five copies of your essay.

The essay should be complete, with title page, running header, and title centered on the first line of page 2.

The essay should have quotations, paraphrases and APA in-text citations and References page.

The essay should not be a first draft. It must be carefully proofread.

Please print and bring the sources to class, or at least the parts you used from the longer sources.

In class, work on one essay at a time. Distribute the copies of the essay to the group. Each student reads, marks and corrects the essay. When every student is finished reading the essay, the group as a whole completes this worksheet. The author of the essay writes down the answers to the worksheet questions. The completed worksheet must be submitted in a folder with one edited draft, the final essay, and the other assignments.

The group should discuss the following questions and offer suggestions for improving the essay. The author of the essay should write the answers and suggestions down on a separate sheet to be submitted with the finished essay.

1. Is the introduction interesting? Does it get your attention and make you want to read the essay? Watch out for excessively general statements and cliches. Make sure the introduction gets quickly to the point.

2. Does the introduction introduce the topic? Briefly describe the debate? Briefly state the main argument of each side in the debate? Include a thesis indicating what side of debate the (student) author is supporting? Is the thesis debatable?

3. Are the different positions in the debate clear?

4. Does the essay include the main arguments of each side in the debate? Does the essay show some of the evidence used to back up the various arguments?

5. Is the essay well organized? Does it have a beginning, middle and end? Does one paragraph seem to lead to the next paragraph? Is the information presented in a logical order?

6. Do the paragraphs begin with a topic sentence which states the idea of the paragraph? Do the sentences in the paragraph support the topic sentence? Do all the sentences in the paragraph pertain to the topic sentence?

7. Does the essay include the right amount of quotation? Make sure there is not too much quotation.

8. Does author quote interesting and striking language to make important points? Do not quote to make obvious points.

9. Are all the paraphrases completely transformed? You must change the sentence structure; you must not just substitute synonyms.

10. In at least a few paragraphs, does the author refer to more than one source? Comparing or contrasting authors in a paragraph improves the essay.

11. Are all quotes and paraphrases correctly introduced and punctuated?

12. Are all the quotations and paraphrases correctly cited?

13. Does the essay come to a clear conclusion? Are the author's conclusions interesting and logical? Does the author support his or her thesis (from the introduction)? Does the author continue to refer to the sources in the conclusion do justify his or her thesis?

Check the Format

Font: 12 pt. Times New Roman

text double spaced

proper margins

Running header--short title, five spaces, page number (title page is page 1)

title page:

proper title capitalization
proper title format (no underline, etc.)
class and section: Research and Writing 303 CD or EF1
professor's name: Professor Mendelsohn
full date: January 1, 2007

APA references page with hanging indents

First Essay: Iran and the United States

ericnyork — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 16:24:53 CST

The first essay concerns the debate over relations between Iran and The United States.

You must describe the debate and defend your thesis--your opinion.

The paper is 3-4 pages, includes a properly formatted title page, and uses APA citation and References.

In this essay, you will:

describe the debate over the United States relations to Iran
state the main arguments for the position that Iran should be attacked
state the main arguments for the position that Iran should not be attacked
decide between (2) and (3)
present the evidence that helps you decide between (2) or (3)

To begin, read the following articles on the United States and Iran, and watch Obama's interview on YouTube, and then answer the questions that follow.

After Obama Overture, Iran’s Leader Seeks U.S. Apology

Obama interview on Al Arabiya

FACTBOX: Ups and downs in U.S.-Iranian relations

Questions

1. Mr. Ahmadinejad said Wednesday that the “slogan of change was good, but it could be of two kinds — a fundamental change or a tactical one,” the official IRNA news agency said. It will soon become clear, IRNA quoted the Iranian leader as saying, whether Mr. Obama’s comments were “just a change in tone” (Fathi and Cowell, 2009, para. 6).

Use dictionary.com or another dictionary to find the meaning of "tactical." What is Ahmadinejad's point when he distinguishes between a "fundamental change" and a "tactical one"?

2. Using Google, or another search engine, very briefly identify the following people:

Mohammed Mossadegh

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini

Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Zbigniew Brzezinski

Alan Dershowitz

Stephen Kinzer

Reuel Marc Gerecht

3. Using Google, briefly explain the following phrases:

axis of evil

Iran Contra Affair

Writing the Essay

Read the four articles and quickly annotate the paragraphs.
List the main points for each article.
Brzezinski and Kinzer prefer a diplomatic approach to Iran; Gerecht and Dershowitz advocate an aggressive, perhaps military, approach. Compare the main points of Brzezinski and Kinzer. Do they make similar points? Try to separate their points into three categories, for example, the effect an invasion of Iran would have on the United States's relations with Muslims around the world. Each of these categories will be the basis of one paragraph in your essay. Do the same for Gerecht and Dershowitz.
Plan out your paragraphs. Try to have three for Gerecht and Dershowitz and three for Brzezinski and Kinzer. Each of these paragraphs should begin with a topic sentence that states the main idea of the paragraph--the basic argument the two authors are making. Use paraphrase and quotation and paraphrase with quotation to represent the views of both authors.
In the last three paragraphs of your essay, you must repeat your thesis and explain your reasoning. In general, you must agree with one side of the debate or the other. State your agreement with one side and explain why you find the arguments on that side more persuasive than the arguments on the other side. The first two paragraphs in this section must begin with a topic sentence and must develop one argument. The final paragraph should sum up your views more generally.
Write the introductory paragraph. This paragraph should inform the reader of the topic (getting quickly to the point), briefly describe the debate over United States-Iranian relations, and include your thesis. Remember to provide a transition to your thesis, and to avoid the use of "I."

Diplomacy Is the Best Option for American-Iranian Relations

Diplomacy Is Not an Effective Option for Dealing with Iran

The United States Should Attack Iran

The United States Should Not Consider Military Action Against Iran

Meet in 2C15 to review this assignment on Monday, 2/9.
Meet in the computer lab on Wednesday, 2/11.
Meet in 2C15 on Wednesday, 2/18 and Monday, 2/23 for in-class editing. Bring an editing work-sheet.
The essay is due on Wednesday, 2/25.

Fall 2008

ericnyork — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 13:25:48 CST

NEW: research sequence

Globalization Video

Globalization Links

APA In-text Citation

APA References

Sample APA paper

Handbook

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Mini-research

First Essay

New wiki: Student Guide to Globalization

student wiki home page

ericnyork — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:41:55 CST

blogs
reports
statistics
editorials
research proposals
research projects
mixed media
sources

Research Paper

ericnyork — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:51:06 CST

Title page

normal rules for title page

Abstract

separate page (2 or ii)
center "Abstract" on first line of page 2 (no quotation marks, no underline, no bold, etc.)
indent for paragraph
abstract includes, in paragraph form:
- topic
- controversy (if appropriate)
- research question
- subquestions
- conclusion (note: the abstract includes your conclusion: the introduction [below] does not include your conclusion)

Introduction

begins on page 3
paper title centered on first line (do not use "Introduction")
four topic paragraphs, each previewing an important aspect of the paper
a plan of the essay
- research question
- six subtopics or subquestions
  - the first subtopic is introductory: background, context, history, scope of problem, etc.
  - the final subtopic is concluding--your answer to the research question (give this section a subtitle, not "Conclusion")
subtopics/subquestions must be in a logical order that leads to the answer to your research question
use normal sentence capitalization style for subquestions and subtopics
introduction should not answer the research question--do not give your conclusion

Body

the first section of the paper after the Introduction should begin immediately after the list of subtopics. Do not begin the first subtopic on a new page (unless the list of subtopics ends at the bottom of the page)
the first section begins with a subtitle. The subtitle must be the exact phrase or question listed as #1 on the list of subtopics.
do not number subtitles in the research paper
the subtitle should be centered on first line of the page
do not skip an extra line before or after the subtitle
the subtitle must have title capitalization--first word and all significant words begin with caps.
the final section is your conclusion. You must answer your research question. Continue to use sources in your conclusion.
the paper must make serious use of sources. Use a variety of quotations and paraphrasess. As much as possible, weave sources together.
all quotes and paraphrases must be properly cited

References

use correct APA references format
all kinds of sources (books, periodical, web sites, etc.) are listed together in alphabetical order by author's last name, or first word of title is there is no author

Preparing for the conference

complete Conference form
you must bring your sources to the conference
to prepare sources for conference:
- all sources must be in alphabetical order, exactly as they are listed in your References
- all quoted and paraphrased passages in the sources must be marked for rapid access
- if you prefer not to bring your books, you must xerox the page with the passage you quoted or paraphrased, and also xerox the title page of the book

Research Sequence

ericnyork — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:28:49 CDT

Assignment	due date
list of sources	Monday, Oct. 27
proposal outline	Monday, Nov. 3
research proposal editing meet in 2C15	Monday, Nov. 3 and Wednesday, Nov. 5
research proposal	Wednesday, Nov. 12
conference meet in computer lab	Wednesday, Nov. 26, Monday, Dec. 1, Wednesday, Dec 3, Monday, Dec. 8
final paper	Monday, Dec. 15

list of sources
proposal outline
research proposal
research proposal editing worksheet
conference form
research paper

Research and Writing 303 - Recently Updated Pages

the Subtopics

the Research Paper

the Research Question

McDonald's, globalization and culture.

Summer 2009

The Home

list of sources due Wed.

Sign up for group wikis.

Groups: one paragraph introduction for wiki home page.

Announcement: Next Monday, March 23 meet in 2C01 to work on editorials

Begin work on editorials.

1. complete group topics form

2. see if research topic is approved

3. begin work on list of sources

(due Monday, March 17)

the Introduction

editorials

List of sources

Books

Magazine articles

Scholarly articles

Web sites

News sites

Preparing sources to show me

APA References

group topics form

Education for women in the Middle East

Research Process

First Essay

Mini-research

Editing Worksheet

First Essay: Iran and the United States

Fall 2008

student wiki home page

Research Paper

Research Sequence