SUBMISSION 2 Library Research

THREE SECTIONS 1.Introduction 2.Background/history/current policy 3.In-depth presentation of the sides

INTRODUCTION (Sec 1) (approximately 3 pages)  Interesting Introduction  Social problem Statistics Importance  Definitions (as needed)  Brief overview of the controversy (no more than 2 paragraphs)

INTRODUCTION: SOCIAL PROBLEM (Sec 1)  The social problem that underlies your controversy  Statistics for the problem, describing the scope Demonstrate that this is a problem Targets  Why it is important that the problem is solved Watch out for bias

INTRODUCTION : Definitions  The Current controversial policy (these are the laws that are currently in place)  Important words in topic sentence  Relevant law(s), guidelines, etc. (put the text in your appendix)

INTRODUCTION: Identification of the sides  Identify the Real political actors involved  Identify the issues that shape the debate  Identify the values central to each side

Example: Should federal abortion laws be changed to make abortion illegal?  Define abortion as a medical procedure  Define current status of abortion laws Federal, state, local? Put relevant law in appendix  Define specific proposed changes

INTRODUCTION (Sec 1)  After Reading your introduction, the reader should: Understand why this is a political controversy Understand who is affected by this problem Understand why this problem needs to be solved Understand the major political actors and what they want

Your introduction should scare the reader by convincing him/her that the fate of the world depends on solving this problem

BACKGROUND/HISTORY (Approximately 4-5 pages)  Goal: historical context to understand current controversy- clearly identify the unit of government analysis.  Focus: controversy, not subject generally  Starting place: your choice, after research (it should be far back enough to describe the modern dilemma)  Ending point: Most recent events

BACKGROUND cont.  Narrate the History of Government Action  Include: Pivotal events- e.g. the first legislation Important court cases (if applicable) Proposals, laws, etc.- previous attempts to solve the problem Important people- real actors who have made a difference  Chronological order  Varied sources- avoid the cut and paste from CQ!

BACKGROUND/HISTORY  At the End of this section, the reader should: Know the policy attempts at solving the social policy Know the deficiencies with the current policy Know the current policy: As of February 2011, what is the current policy.

IN-DEPTH PRESENTATION OF EACH SIDE: Stakeholders and Values  Approximately 4-5 pages per side Position  General parties to the controversy Comprehensive information  Specific parties to the controversy Comprehensive information WHAT DO THEY VALUE?

IN-DEPTH PRESENATION OF EACH SIDE, Issues and Arguments.  Clearly identify Issues for Both sides (3 for each side)  Specific Arguments for each side’s issue  Evidence supporting each argument, such as: Case studies Statistical evidence Expert testimony Court cases

IN-DEPTH PRESENTATION OF EACH SIDE: Plans.  Thorough discussion of plans What are the legitimate ways that the stakeholders are trying to influence government Be specific here and back it up with data

MECHANICS  Approximately pages long  Works Cited  Appendix(ces)  Correct MLA form throughout  Style In accordance with Capstone guidelines Polished, proofed  DUE: in class March 11th

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