Assignments

PURPOSE OF PAPER: To develop the student’s thought and analytical processes

TOPIC: The topic should be ONE current and controversial issue of political importance facing the federal, state or local government.

SOURCES: Four or more articles from current, fact-checked news sources (on-line or hard copy) and/or journals that cover national political news. The articles must be published on or after September 1, 2015. Students must select topics that are actively in the news and under debate during the course. The information in the articles should cover opposing points of view on the one issue topic selected for analysis.

CONTENT: The paper should contain the following:

· An introduction and discussion of the current and controversial topic.

· An analysis of the political issues discussed in the articles in terms of the current controversies and opposing viewpoints that affect the people of the United States and their government today. Use information learned in class to analyze the politics of the issue.

· An analysis of the positions, motivations and/or objectives of the authors of the articles. For example, was there a particular political viewpoint being emphasized? If so, in what ways? If not, how did you determine that the article was unbiased?

· A discussion of how these articles affected you as the reader. Did the articles have a direct impact on your perceptions of the American political process? Did the authors change or reinforce your political views?

LENGTH/FORMAT: A minimum of 2500 words, approximately 8 pages. This is the length need to completely analyze and discuss the issues. The paper must be word-processed in a format accepted by Turnitin.com. If the paper is not submitted on Turnitin.com, it will not be accepted. No papers will be accepted as hard copy or via e-mail. Students should maintain a back-up copy of their paper.

GRADING: Current Political Relevance of Issue 25 Points

Original Analysis of the Current

Controversy & Opposing Views 35 Points

Incorporation of Course Information 10 Points

Writing Skills 20 Points

CITATION/SOURCES: All research sources used must be cited in accord with the Modern Languages Association format, including a Works Cited page. If a Works Cited page is omitted or not submitted in MLA format, 15 Points will be deducted from the score for the paper.