ENG 111 – College Composition I – Pierce
Fall 2022 Semester Research Paper - 250 points
Students will complete a comprehensive, 5-7 page research paper identifying, explaining and analyzing a challenge to attaining the American Dream, as defined in the USA Today article, “Are you middle class?” This project will allow students to focus on one challenge and explore many facets of it while considering possible solutions based upon legitimate evidence/data. Students can focus on issues related to employment, education, housing, immigration, healthcare, inflation, federal, state, or local laws, etc. Use of this thematic focus will enable students to develop a deep understanding of pathways and barriers to the American Dream while mastering the process associated with composing a large research paper.
Exploration and evaluation work completed for this research paper will form the foundation for work completed in ENG 112.
Suggested topics:
Employment & Wages
Education
Criminal Justice/Reform
Social Support Programs – Medicaid, Food Stamps, Welfare, etc.
Religion
Taxation
Housing or Homelessness
Native American Issues
Immigration
Inflation
Healthcare
*The above list is not meant to limit student selection. If you have an idea, please talk with me or the librarians as soon as possible so we can help guide you during the research phase.
Minimum Source Requirements:
Using a variety of sources such as newspapers, periodicals, speeches, interviews, books, websites, documentary films, etc, will provide the most comprehensive collection of information. Sources should be recent and published within the past five years – 2017 to present. Keep in mind that COVID had a significant impact on wages, housing, education, etc. so data before 2020 will possibly be outdated.
10 different sources
1must be an interview – personal, recorded, print-based are acceptable
At least 2 Visual aids such as data charts/graphs – no generic pictures
Detailed instructions for each component of this research paper will be provided prior to each due date.
All components must be typed in MLA format. All components will be submitted to CANVAS.