Authority and Social Constructions

Prompt: Upon approval of your topic via your research proposal, write a cogent, well-developed argument about either “Authority and Social Constructions” or “Education and Society.” This is an academic essay, so it cannot be simplistic or too general (i.e. “It is important for people to stand up for what they believe in” is too general. How can you make a specific argument about one of these issues?).

You should use either Essay #1 or #2 as a starting point for this paper. Please keep in mind that simply adding to the existing paper will not work – you will need to revise and rethink it in order to develop it further, and to integrate your previous work with your new research.

If you would like permission to explore a different topic, please conference with me.

Requirements:
Minimum 1,600 words total for the essay (approximately 6 full pages in length)
Have a properly formatted MLA works cited page (the 1,600 words does not include the works cited)
Typed, double-spaced, with 1” margins on all sides, Times New Roman, 12 font
Follow the MLA Manuscript Format (Utilize online resources for proper citation methods)
Use at least five (5) documented academic library sources (Scholarly sources, not world wide web).
You must use a scholarly journal as a source, and at least one other source type: book, newspaper, or magazine. Sources may be print or electronic sources from the Shatford Library’s electronic database.
Credible World Wide Web sources and texts assigned in class may be used to supplement your research, but do not count as the five required scholarly sources.
Must be an organized essay (introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion).
Follow MLA guidelines for quotes and paraphrases. Only one block quote is allowed for the essay.
Support your clearly stated thesis with relevant, ample evidence. All evidence must be analyzed.
No serious errors in grammar, mechanics, and language usage.

The Research Process:
Explore topics. Do some preliminary research to determine your general topic.
Determine the focus of your topic. You must develop an argument with this essay. Remember that this research paper is not a report or summary.
Narrow your topic and write your research proposal. See syllabus for due date.
Conduct your research. Use what you learned in our virtual library orientation!
Write your thesis, or revise it from your research proposal
Organize your evidence under individual body paragraphs, with one supporting idea per paragraph.
Revise your paper, focusing on issues we have discussed throughout the semester. You may have several drafts and revisions in this process.
Write the Works Cited list. Consult the writing guide for help with citing, especially more specialized sources. (Keep an ongoing works cited so that you don’t have to do it all at the end)
Proofread and edit your paper for grammatical, spelling, format, and other errors.