Recording-2025-02-11T18:32:12.153Z

Assignment Overview

• Goal: Prepare a research paper mapping the conversations around a selected topic.

• Stakeholders: Choose two stakeholders for the assignment.

  • Importance of selecting a deeper stakeholder for a more substantive analysis.

Stakeholder Selection

• Types of Stakeholders: Consider choosing stakeholders that go beyond surface-level understanding of the topic.

  • Example: Choosing victims and families in a topic like sex trafficking versus choosing perpetrators or system enforcers.

• Research Approach: Use curiosity to uncover different dimensions affecting the conversation surrounding the topic.

Source Requirements

• Source Count: For each stakeholder, find three supporting sources.

• Source Types:

  • At least one primary source for each stakeholder.

  • At least one secondary source.

  • A third source can be either primary or secondary based on relevance and availability.

• Source Bias: Ensure that sources chosen support the stakeholder's viewpoint, not the writer's personal opinion.

  • Highlight that finding opposing views is essential for identifying different stakeholders.

Writing Guidelines

• Objective Tone: Avoid personal biases in the paper; focus on collecting data and integrating sources objectively.

• Citation Format:

  • Use MLA format for in-text citations (last name and page number) or timestamp for media sources.

  • Ensure clarity in distinguishing between your voice and that of the sources.

• Avoid flowery language: Strive for clarity and readability rather than attempting to embellish the content.

Structuring the Research Paper

• Introduction:

  • Briefly introduce the main topic and its significance.

  • Provide some historical context, if necessary.

• Body:

  • For each stakeholder, include:

    • An elaboration of their viewpoint on the topic.

    • Presentation of three sources that support their perspective.

• Comparison Paragraph:

  • Analyze how the two stakeholders' positions compare (similarities or differences).

  • Address potential agreements/disagreements.

• Conclusion: Wrap up how the stakeholders' points tie back to the original topic.

Grading Criteria

• Formatting:

  • 12-point font, one-inch margins, double-spaced, and MLA format.

  • Include a title indicating the stakeholders' focus.

• Source Credibility: Instructor will verify the reliability of all sources used.

  • Source research involves verifying authors' credibility as part of the assignment.

• MLA Citation: Follow proper MLA format for both in-text citations and the Works Cited page.

Finding Credible Sources

• Use university resources extensively (e.g., Texas Tech University Library).

• Tips for sourcing:

  • Explore Google Scholar for academic articles and reputable studies.

  • Look for articles with authors who can be verified—check backgrounds and motivations.

• Consider the motivations behind studies or articles, especially those funded by corporations or institutions.

Additional Tips

• Repeat Process: The same methodology will apply to two additional stakeholders in future assignments, so gathering extensive sources now is beneficial.

• Edit Thoroughly: Proofread to avoid spelling and grammatical errors which reflect on attention to detail.

• Summarizing Sources: Explain each source accurately—use own words while avoiding bias in representation.