Policy Paper

In this paper you will research a policy (rules, regulations, legislation, etc.) that is relevant to your experience/personal life. You will research the subject in order to be informed, choose an argumentative stance on the policy, and write an argumentative/persuasive essay regarding your argumentative stance (which is your writing focus). *Failure to focus your argument on a policy will result in 30+ point deductions.
General Requirements:
This assignment fulfills course objectives 1, 2, 3, and 4
Typed in MLA format
Word range: 1000-1200
Choose a relevant and current cultural or social issue:
Avoid topics that have been discussed for so long that no original points could be made (abortion, capital punishment, gun control).
3-5 researched sources
Required: Primary source: originally published policy
Required: Scholarly article (from the ULM database) or a book/e-book (primary and/or secondary sources)
Consider: NON-online articles as sources–documentaries, interviews, radio/TV interviews, podcasts, textbooks, surveys, court cases etc. (secondary sources)
Failure to meet source requirements: -5 points each
Balance your original thinking with synthesis of your sources and with counter arguments and/or yielded argumentative points.
Topic checklist and lessons from the past:
Make sure your topic is argumentative.
An argumentative topic can hold to opposing viewpoints.
Ex: Should voodoo be considered a religion?
Make reasonable claims and avoid speculations (speculations will cost you points!)
A reasonable claim should be able to hold up in a court of law.
Ex: How do horror movies affect viewers psychologically?
Ex: Homosexuality is a sin!
Allow your research to guide your argument.
If you change your mind about your argumentative stance mid-research, then just change your thesis statement!
Ex: The natural gas pipeline should be built for job creation.
Avoid ‘duh!’ arguments/topics.
These are arguments that fall under, hopefully, common knowledge.
Ex:
Meth is bad for your health
Fast food is bad for you
People should exercise more.

No plagiarism.