Research Paper Requirements For this paper you will be writing an argumentative essay on a particular social or Political issue. The final research paper will be due at the end of the semester, however you will also have to complete an annotated bibliography assignment leading up to the final research paper. What is a position paper? What I would like for you to do with your research paper is to argue a particular position, supported by research, on a current domestic or foreign policy debate. A position paper basically has six parts to it: 1. An introduction - This first paragraph should include a lead in and thesis statement and clearly present the main idea of your position paper. Many writers prefer to place the thesis at the end of the first paragraph, but this doesn't have to be the case. 2. Formulate a “Literature Review” that describes/discusses the main contentions surrounding the domestic or foreign policy issue that you are investigating. Explain to the reader what the main arguments are surrounding this policy debate. Make clear what groups are on either side of the debate and what actions they have taken to argue their side. Give details about any laws or policies that have been passed or that may be coming up for a vote or judicial decision. 3. Now explain your view. Tell the reader why you're taking the position you've chosen and offer evidence supporting your opinion. Be sure to present the information in a logical order and avoid making any statements that lack obvious support. Make them understand why you think the way you do. 4. Present a counter-argument. Pick a problem that someone against your views would bring up. Make sure you present it clearly and give the reasoning behind the counterargument as well. Researching opposing position papers and viewpoints can help make this step easier. 5. Declare a resolution to the problem. Take a paragraph to explain why the counterargument doesn't apply and reaffirm your view. Describe why the counter-argument doesn't hold up and why your ideas are better. 6. End with a conclusion paragraph. In a conclusion paragraph, you should restate your thesis and summarize the position paper's main ideas. Be sure to rewrite your ideas so that you're not just repeating the exact same thing. Once again, restate your position. You can choose from one of the contemporary policy debates below: Gun Control Abortion Creationism vs. Evolution Immigration Gay Marriage U.S. Torture Capital Punishment California State Issues Research Paper Requirements: Your paper must use at least 6 bibliographic sources to include at least one of each of the following: periodicals (magazines or journals); books (scholarly); primary documents; Internet sources (scholarly). Web resources must be from legitimate sources, if in doubt ask me first. Your citations should be in APA format. You can find information on how to complete an APA “Reference List” (or “In-Text” citations) at: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/. Another useful website for these purposes is: www.dianahacker.com/resdoc. Both of these websites offer extensive information on how to cite different source materials in proper APA style. Bottom line, it is crucial that you are citing information accurately and ethically. If you are unsure or need assistance with citation standards, please feel free to contact me or refer to the “Portal Site” associated with this class where I have additionally provided APA tutorial documents that will assist you with both “In-Text” and “Reference List” mechanics. Your paper must be at least 6-7 pages in length, using 12 point Times New Roman font, double-spaced, written in APA format, and free from grammatical errors.