ThE Research Paper

Choosing a Topic As your syllabus states, we will be writing a research paper for this class. This will essentially be a short (5 -7 page) research paper, using 5-7 sources.

What is our Topic? For this assignment, you will choose your own topic based on our course theme (Criminal Justice Reform).

How do I come up with a Topic? First, consider some ways that our criminal justice system could be improved. Some examples might include advocating for or against ending the War on Drugs or for or against restoring voting rights to former prisoners. Next, select one of the ideas for social improvement that you’ve come up with, and write your own essay question. For example, “Should former inmates in all states in America be able to regain their voting rights after release from prison?” Your thesis, then, would be the answer to this question.

What do I do once I think I have a topic? When you have a topic, the best thing to do would be to come up with a few more potential topics. Why should anyone do this? Students do this because if a topic doesn’t work out, they have alternate topics.

Activity: Do some brainstorming and write down three topics that you are thinking of doing for this assignment. Try to develop a thesis statement for each. Then, turn them in for approval on September 17th, circling the one that you would most like to write about.