The research paper development will consist of: (a) research paper topic (defining the topic of your research/why research is needed on the topic), (b) annotated bibliography (finding literature about the topic), (c) draft research paper (producing a draft paper based on the research topic/lit. review) and (d) final research paper (improving on the draft and writing a final paper). This week you will submit the research paper topic, please use the template provided.

The research topic paper should present a general research topic about ERM, narrow the topic down to a specific topics (subtopics) and then frame/explore an issue related to the specific topic. You should present and develop an argument concerning the issue. 

Submit a 800 (minimum) word paper (about 3 pages) in which you provide a discussion on a ERM topic of your choice.

Assignment Requirements:

Submitted work is to be proofread carefully and should not exhibit mechanical errors, such as spelling mistakes. Grammar should be checked for accuracy prior to submission. Students should select a writing style that is appropriate for the genre: for academic genres, an appropriate scholarly style is required. Proper citations, professional vocabulary in the field of study, and application of the concepts presented in the course texts are expected in each assignment.

All assignments must be original work. Plagiarism or verbatim copying of sources without proper attribution (so-called cut and paste) will result in failing the assignment and potentially failing the course; it can also lead to disciplinary sanctions from the college.

Papers are to be written in Microsoft Word using Times New Roman 12 pt. font with standard margins, double-spaced.  

Citations and the Reference List do not count in the page or word limit as indicated for each assignment.

Instructions

Choose only ONE of the following options below and, in your post, write a paraphrase that avoids plagiarism of the paragraph you have chosen. Your paraphrase can be as long as the excerpt you have chosen, but should not duplicate any phrasing from the excerpt. If you must, you can quote up to three words in a phrase.

When you are done posting your paraphrase, reply to at least one classmates paraphrase, commenting on what s/he has done well and what s/he can improve with the wording. Your response should be written in no fewer than 75 words.

Choose to paraphrase ONE of the excerpts below:

Option 1

Morrison began writing Sula in 1969, a time of great activism among African Americans and others who were working toward equal civil rights and opportunities. The book addresses issues of racism, bigotry, and suppression of African Americans; it depicts the despair people feel when they can’t get decent jobs, and the determination of some to survive. Eva, for example, cuts off her leg in order to get money to raise her family. Morrison shows how, faced with racist situations, some people had to grovel to whites simply to get by, as Helene does on a train heading through the South. Others, however, fought back, as Sula does when she threatens some white boys who are harassing her and Nel.

or

Option 2

In 1993, Morrison was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature, and thus became the first African American and only the eighth woman ever to win the award. According to Maureen O’Brien in Publishers Weekly, Morrison said, “What is most wonderful for me personally is to know that the Prize has at last been awarded to an African American. I thank God that my mother is alive to see this day.” In 1996, she received the National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.

Your discussion post will be graded according to the following criteria:

• 80% – Clear paraphrase the selected text in your own words with minimal use of quotations
• 20% – Thoughtful response to a classmates post that comments on what was done well and what could be improved (at least 75 words)