GILL LIBRARY THE COLLEGE OF NEW ROCHELLE RESEARCH AND INFORMATION LITERACY ENG 216 A SESSION 2  Finding and Refining Your Topic in Literature and Social Sciences  Drafting a Thesis/ Research Proposal

CHOOSE A RESEARCH TOPIC  What interests you Something in the news? A personal or professional experience Something you have always wanted to know more about  Approach that topic from a scholarly perspective

For example:  “Norman…while watching news reports of the Iraq War, noticed dry and barren land, yet history had taught him that this land between the Tigress and the Euphrates rivers was formerly a land of fruit and honey….What happened to it?  Norman’s interest = world’s water supply Excerpted from Lester and Lester. Writing Research Papers. Page 10

 Browsing in National Geographic Norman finds an article The following is excerpted from the link above. He learns: Satellite technology shows:  Over the last 40 years more than 30 + large dams have been built that reduce available water and eliminate nourishing floodwaters  Resulting in damage to the marshlands and devastation to wildlife  And reducing the water supply to the residents

He also learns that:  Before satellites assessing environmental damage depended upon each government’s “willingness and ability to investigate conditions in their country.”  Satellite technology now allows a clearer and more accessible picture on environmental damage. Norman’s question has expanded to include many considerations

POSSIBLE SCHOLARLY APPROACHES 1) the ethics the world’s distribution of water 2) the history of the global water shortage 3) environmental implications of the global water crisis 4) social implications of the global water crisis 5) the politics of assessing environmental damage

YOUR TURN  Pick a topic related to the Social Sciences based on: Personal interest Recent News Conversations in person or through a social network A subject covered in another class Something you have always wanted to know about

CONCEPT MAPPING  Session 2 Video on Concept MappingVideo on Concept Mapping

USE TOOLS TO FIND AND DEVELOP IDEAS Consider the following places to get more ideas for topics 1 The Online Subject Directory or Thesaurus available in most databases 2- Online Discussion Groups: Humanities and Social Sciences Net OnlineHumanities and Social Sciences Net Online 3- Do a search in your Library Catalog by subject and browse alternate subject terms 4- Internet Keyword Searches such as Google provide alternate search terms. Scroll down to the bottom of your Google search results list.

THE THESIS STATEMENT

A THESIS: Is a short statement summarizing the primary idea of your paper Consists of one or two sentences Appears at the start of your paper, usually the last sentence in your introductory paragraph Is developed, supported, and explained in the text by means of examples and evidence. Is a roadmap for your readers! It gives your paper organization and clarity

Some Types of Theses Argumentative Essay(Persuasive) Cause and Effect Essay (Explanatory) Comparison and Contrast Essay (Analytical) Literary Research Paper (Research) What does your assignment require of you: Persuasion, analysis, reflection, research, make a claim

HOW TO CREATE A THESIS  Determine: The type of paper you are required to create Your topic and related subjects Your position, claim, opinion All relevant points to support your claim

Let’s look at the Argumentative Essay

ARGUMENTATIVE OR PERSUASIVE ESSAY  “An argumentative or persuasive piece of writing must begin with a debatable thesis or claim… something that people could reasonably have differing opinions on.” Not debatable: Pollution is bad for the environment Vs Debatable:America’s anti-pollution efforts should focus on privately owned cars In this example there is also room for disagreement between rational individuals. Some..might think focusing on recycling programs rather than private automobiles is the most effective strategy. Don’t avoid the opposite opinions… Be prepared for them so you can make your paper stronger!” Excerpted from The Owl at Purdue (read more)The Owl at Purdue

KEEP IT NARROW  Your argument should be specific Too Broad: Drug Use is Detrimental for Society Narrower, more specific: Illegal drug use is detrimental because it encourages gang violence.

REMEMBER  Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence.  Your topic may change as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper.