Research Paper


You will be required to write a paper on a specific, current issue regarding sustainability.  The
text of the paper should be 1750-2250 words in length (not including references or figures).  The
bibliography should include at least THREE scholarly references.  You should spend no more than
half the paper summarizing the issue.  The emphasis should be on analysis, synthesis, and
interpretation of the issue.  The topic for this paper MUST BE APPROVED.  Late papers WILL NOT BE
ACCEPTED!


Recommended: 1.5 line spacing, 1-inch margins, with size 11 Times New Roman font, no spaces after
paragraphs, and page numbers centered at bottom.


The report itself:

a.  Summarize the issue

      i.    What issue is being discussed?

      ii.   What is the impact on human society?

      iii.  What responses are being taken?


b.  Provide your analysis or synthesis, in terms of:

      i.    Why is it relevant to sustainability?

      ii.   What recommendation do you have regarding the issue?

      iii.  How is it related to the topics we have covered in class?


It should be written as a cohesive essay with an intro, body and conclusion, not as a response to
the above questions.  Assessment will be based on content (demonstration of critical thinking
skills) and presentation (demonstration of college level writing).


Have someone else proof read your paper before submitting it.


General Advice

Avoid saying “I think…”

Avoid using “seems” or other noncommittal phrases.

Avoid using slang, jargon, or contractions.


References should be listed alphabetically.

Print references should include: 1) author, 2) publication date, 3) title, 4) publisher, and 5)
city of publication.

Internet references: 1) author, 2) publication date or last revision 3) title, 4) date of access,
and 5) URL.


References

Carson, R. 1962. Silent Spring. Riverside Press, Cambridge, MA.


Revkin, A.C. Aug. 17, 2004. Save the Whales! Then What? The New York Times. Retrieved Sept. 7, 2004
from www.nytimes.com/2004/08/17/science/17whale.html?ex=1094702400&en=1068a132c3f23a6e&ei=5070


Citations in the paper should include the author and publication date.  Direct quotes should
include page #:


“The situation is made even more complicated by the fact that one chemical may act on another to
alter its effect” (Carson 1962, p. 238).


Regarding in text citations, keep in mind the reasons behind citing: 1) give credit where it is due
(avoid plagiarism!), 2) give your comments legitimacy—you are indicating that the information you
are presenting came from what you considered a reliable source, and 3) lead your reader to the
source if they want to discover more.