ISSUE PAPER
Topic: Cuban Embargo – What is it? Why?
Effective? Should we keep it?
The purpose of this paper is to allow you
to explore and evaluate a contemporary geographic problem in more detail than
is covered in class. You will select a
topic from a list located on Blackboard or you may choose your own topic with
your instructor’s approval. An issue is
an idea or practice that is subject to differing interpretations and
opinions. It is inherently
conflict-ridden, whether it is physical or just philosophical. Your job will be to look at the existing
arguments and derive your own opinions about the issue.
Step 1.
- Pick a topic from the
list. Pick a topic that you are
interested in or be bold and pick an unfamiliar topic. (Cuban Embargo – What is it? Why? Effective? Should we keep it?)
Step 2.
– Research. Get familiar with
your topic by reading multiple sources of information. Good sources include Books, Academic Journals
(Journal of….), News and Policy magazines (The Economist, Time, Foreign
Policy…), Newspapers (Christian Science Monitor, New York Times, Washington
Post, Wall Street Journal…).
Bibliographies of articles and books are good sources to find follow-up
material. Look at the online databases
on the library home page, particularly the Academic Search Premier (many full
text articles). Google Scholar is
another good place to find full text articles.
Also look at websites. For this
type of assignment, look at opinion pieces and editorials as well. As with all sources, see if you can pick up
biases in the reporting. Many magazines
and websites either slant conservative or liberal. Sometimes it is subtle but other times the
writer has an agenda.
Step 3. – Write the paper. I am looking for quality not quantity. Papers should be around 5 pages in length,
give or take. I do not want 20 pages nor
do I want only 2 pages. You should
include:
Part 1 Background – what is the issue and
how or why did it get that way. Why is
it important to the parties involved?
This sets the foundation for the rest of the paper.
Part 2 What are the varying perspectives on
this issue. For example, this group
thinks this about the issue because… Why
is it in their interest to think this way?
Part 3 Your take on this issue. How do think this issue can be resolved? Is
it even possible? Compromise? Which side do you tend to support? Why? Neither?
Part 4 Bibliography Use a standard form. (3 minimum)
Full text articles from Academic Search
Primer should be treated like you found that article on the shelf.
Websites – give author if possible and
website info
-Do not cut and paste your paper from the
internet. That’s lame.
-Do not plagiarize. Give credit where credit is due. If you quote someone, use quotation
marks. If you are referring to an idea
from an article, use parenthetical citations.
For example – this is the end of the sentence (Aiken, 2001). (author, year published) full reference will
be in the bibliography.
-Use spell-check AND proof read your paper.
- Online encyclopedias are ok for gaining
background material on your topic.
However, DO NOT rely solely on these sources. The days of writing encyclopedia-based
reports ended in elementary school.
-While this is not an English paper, too
many grammatical mistakes really detract from the paper and will be reflected
in your grade. It should read
smoothly. Remember, future employers
look down on poorly written work.
- Turn in a paper copy in class. Submit
your final electronic version to Safe Assignment on Blackboard.
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