RESEARCH PAPER
Each member of the class will prepare a research paper. The paper must a) explain why the topic is important in studying environmental politics, b) identify a research question or hypothesis, c) review the relevant literature, d) present careful analysis and explanation, and e) draw a conclusion about the implications of the study.
- The paper must be typed, double-spaced using 12 font, referenced in a scholarly style, and should run 10-12 pages excluding bibliography and tables/charts. It must have a cover sheet and have a minimum of seven (7) scholarly sources (books and journal articles). Other sources, e.g., the course books, websites, newspaper articles, etc. are acceptable but do not count toward the scholarly sources noted above. Each page of the paper except the cover sheet must have one inch margins and have a page number.
- Students are cautioned to identify the source of material used in the paper. The penalty for plagiarism is an "F" on the paper.
- A topic for the proposed paper along with a half page summary and five scholarly sources will be due in class on September 30. At this point, include books and journal articles only. The instructor will return the proposal with written comments on October 7. Late proposals will result in 5 points being deducted from the final grade on the research paper. Failure to submit a paper proposal will result in 10 points being deducted from the paper.
- Papers are due in class on November 30. Late papers will be reduced two (2) points per day beginning the day the paper is due.
Do not wait until the last minute to work on your paper and do not wait until the night before the paper is due to print your paper (printer and other problems seem to be common at this point in time)!
Please consult with your instructor if you have any questions.
