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Research Projects
Overview
The fundamental intellectual task of research is to make knowledge. In this process,
professors and students research answers to questions, propose new theories based on that
research, debate the merits of the new theory, etc. They use reading and writing (and speaking
and listening) throughout as tools for accomplishing this important task.
One way to see this process in action in ordinary life is to look at public debates about
issues of globalization. We are all familiar with the "talking heads" we see on TV news programs
or the columnists in newspapers or magazines. They are experts of different subjects, and they
use their expertise to explain an issue to the general audience, who usually does not have much
knowledge of the subject. These intellectuals play a vital role in public debates because they
have informed opinions.
Similarly, as a student you will no doubt be asked to research a topic important in a
particular course, and in most cases, you will be expected to take a stand on it. These research
projects give you the opportunity to practice these skills and to make knowledge as an expert.
You will also have the practice of using two different documentation styles: CMS1 and APA.
For this project, you will choose a) an issue of globalization and its impact on society for
a formal exploratory paper which is similar to a review of the literature paper, and b) an
argument paper on an issue of globalization to research as thoroughly as you can. You will write
two formal, graded papers based on these bodies of materials: 1) a formal exploratory paper
with an annotated bibliography, and 2) a position paper with an abstract. These papers will be
written to help you think through the issue, and to plan the p