Outcomes measured: R1, R2, C1, C2, C4, C5, P1, P2, K1, K3

For this assignment, you will write a white paper on a topic of your choice related to course content and themes.

What is a white paper? There are many definitions of a white paper. For the purpose of this assignment, we will define white paper as a document which "argues a specific position or solution to a problem." (Stelzner, http://www.stelzner.com/copy-g-HowTo-whitepapers.php). Your final white paper should go beyond explaining that an issue exists or summarizing sources; it should state a position (a thesis) which you develop throughout the paper or a problem which you solve. In either case, your white paper should be well-researched and documented. You should also have a "real world" audience to which your paper will be addressed.

Topic Proposal (5 pts, due February 4th)

In a memo addressed to me, submit your proposed topic and "real world" audience. Explain how the topic is related to the course and why you have selected it, and who the audience will be.

Grading:

Topic selection and justification: 4 pts
Formatting and mechanics: 1 pt

Research Proposal (10 pts, due February 18)

In a memo addressed to me, submit a research proposal for your approved topic. Your proposal should include the following:

• an analysis of your audience
• how you propose to conduct your research and why you have selected the methods that you have
• a timeline for completing the research

A research proposal is an important document: it gives you the opportunity to establish your ethos as a research/writer. A well-written and thorough proposal demonstrates that you are capable of doing the work that you propose to do; that you understand the topic, audience, and what needs to be done to accomplish what you propose; and that your work is credible. Therefore, your proposal should go beyond stating that you will do your research online or that you'll also use library databases. Be specific about your research methods and about how you believe they will provide you with the information you need to write your white paper.

Grading:

Audience analysis: 2 pts
Research plan: 6 pts
Formatting and mechanics: 2 pts

Progress Report (10 pts, due March 25th)

In a memo addressed to me, submit a progress report. Your report should include a summary of your topic, what you have completed and what remains to be done, an analysis of your research strategy, limitations and problems that have occurred and how you have attempted to solve them, any revisions you have had to make or propose making to your topic and/or research strategy. Attach a list of sources that you have located on your topic. If you are doing primary research, attach any instruments you may have developed (survey questions, interview questions, etc). Your progress report should show that you have been working on the research for your paper and have made demonstrable progress.

Grading:

Summary and analysis of progress: 5 pts
Sources and/or instruments: 3 pts
Formatting and mechanics: 2 pts

White paper (25 pts, due April 22nd)

Final white paper is due. Remember that the audience for you white paper is the audience you defined in your topic proposal.

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Last modified: 10 January 2007