Course Research Paper:
The goal of this course paper is to research a social problem that interests you, develop and action plan to
address this problem, and implement your proposed solution.
The paper consists of four parts:
Part I: Literature Review (2 pages) (0-30 points)
In this section, you should discuss the social problem you’ve chosen. Using empirical (SCIENCE!) evidence
from reliable resources (academic journals, official websites, research organizations, etc.), provide some
background about this problem. Some potential questions to consider:
What is the problem you have selected? Define it.
Are there links to history that help us understand the current state of the problem? What are the structural
and cultural roots of the problem?
Has this problem evolved or changed over time? In what ways? In what ways has it stayed the same?
Part II: Proposed Solutions (1-2 pages) (0-20 points)
This section of the paper is all about general solution that could help to lessen the damages done by your
chosen social problem. Think Macro.
Based on your literature review, what potential solutions would you propose to help address this social
problem?
In what ways do these actions promote social change?
Part III: Action Plan (1-2 pages) (0-30 points)
In this section, develop an action plan that you can implement this semester that links to one or more of
your proposed solutions. In Section II, you talked in general terms; Section III should be more specific.
What is your proposed solution?
Why did you choose this solution?
What would have to happen for this action plan to be successful?
Part IV: Conclusion (1 page) (0 – 10 points)
Draw a conclusion by examining historical changes of the social problem you chose and discuss your
proposed macro and micro solutions. Explain why these solutions are important.
Research Paper Formatting (0-10 points): This paper should be typed in MLA format, double-space, 12
point font, in Times New Roman. Paper length requirement is 4-6 pages with Citation/Bibliography page
included. You need at least 4 scholarly sources (peer reviewed journal articles and/or books).