Instruction
write a short final paper on any topic of your choice pertaining to WGS 101. It is due to Blackboard on the date indicated in the schedule below. You will come up with your own research question and thesis. Your answer (however nuanced and tentative—it need not be absolute) to the research question will be your thesis/argument. There is broad leeway here and I can help you brainstorm, narrow your focus, identify sources, etc. over email (or Zoom if needed). I have also had the library put together a research guide specifically for this assignment that I will soon post to Blackboard. I can take a quick look at essay drafts to help you if you finish a draft early. You may use news stories, NGO websites, government or activist websites, etc. to augment your research but most of the sources should be academic sources (WGS journal articles or e-books written by people with PhDs and dealing with your particular WGS topic).
The hardest part will be coming up with the research question and identifying quality sources. As mentioned, the question has to be narrow. Why? Because this essay is going to be fairly short, focused like a laser beam on answering your research question! Think of it as a mini research essay into a topic of WGS 101 that we maybe learned a little about, but that left you wanting more information! Solid amount of research, yes, BUT condensed into a clear and concise synopsis and argument. The essay will be approximately 2-3 double-spaced pages (Times New Roman font) and will cite both the textbook (even if just a little bit) and outside research that you conduct (3-4 additional high quality academic sources and possible additional nonacademic sources like news stories, activist websites, etc. if needed for your topic). It will follow proper essay format and will have a Works Cited at the end in addition to the citations in the body of the essay. Cite along the way (“when in doubt, cite!”) AND list all sources cited/that inform your research at the end. You can use any style guide for this as long as it is consistent. Remember that for the citations part (as opposed to the bibliography part), some style guides use footnotes (use endnotes instead to keep the page count of 2-3 pages clear to see) and some use in text citations. Either is fine, just follow what your style guide calls for and follow it consistently. I do not need a title page. Regular margins.
Looking for Understanding, Research, Critical Thinking/Connections, Clarity.