Policy Analysis Research Paper

A.  The research paper should be guided by the policy analysis outline distributed and discussed in class.  Each student will:  a) define the problem, b) establish goals, c) construct policy alternatives, d) assess the alternatives and e) draw conclusions and propose the best course of action and why.    Paper Structure Describe the problem - - - - - - - - - -  }  together Present/describe goal (s)  - - - - - - -  }  about 1-2 pp) Discuss policy alternatives (3 p) Assessment of alternatives (4 p) Conclusion, best alternative, implications of the study (2-3 pp) B.  During Part III of the semester, (see Course Schedule), each student will deliver a brief presentation of his/her paper (approximately 5 minutes) followed by approximately 5 minutes for discussion.  The number of presentations per class will be determined by the number of students enrolled in the class. The presentation should be structured as follows: Part 1:  Student Presentation  (5 minutes)           A.  Title of the paper           B.  What is the problem / define the problem           C.  Why is the problem important to study?           D.  What is the goal (or goals)?           E.  What are the policy alternatives (options)? Part 2:  Discussion  (5 minutes)          Guidelines for the Policy Analysis Paper The papers are to be typed, double-spaced with 12 inch margins and referenced in a scholarly style (e.g., in-text references, footnotes, endnotes - - choose one approach and be consistent). Each page must be numbered. The paper should run 10-12 pages and must have a minimum of twelve scholarly sources. The references must include books and journal articles although other relevant sources (e.g., newspapers, magazines, websites) can be included. Although they can be used, be mindful that news magazines (e.g., Time, Newsweek, US News and World Report) are not scholarly sources. Books required  for the class can be used they will not count toward the twelve scholarly sources used for your paper.  Students are cautioned to identify the source of material used in the paper. The penalty for plagiarism is an "F" on the paper. A topic for the paper along with a one-half page proposal and six scholarly sources (books and journal articles only) are due in class on September 26.  The instructor will return the proposal to you with comments on October 1. Late proposals will result in 5 points being deducted from the final paper grade. Failure to submit a paper proposal will result in 10 points being deducted from the final paper grade. Papers are due at the end of the class when the presentation is given OR in class no later than December 3.  Late papers will be reduced 3 points per day beginning December 3. Do not slide papers under the office door of your instructor. Submit late papers to the department secretary in BAL 7000. Note about using Internet sources:  although Internet information sources are acceptable, do not be overly dependent on them to the exclusion of books and scholarly journal articles.   Note about paper topics:  your instructor highly suggests that you do not change your paper topic later in the semester since problems usually arise resulting in difficulty for the student including missing the deadlines noted above. Select a topic early, make sure that you have a sufficient number of sources and stay focused. Suggestion: do not wait until the night before the paper is due to print it - - computer and printer problems seem to be common at this time!  Please consult with your instructor if you have any questions. Suggestons for Paper Topics: Identify Theft Dependence on Foreign Oil Implementing Light Rail between Norfolk and Virginia Beach Hurricane Preparedness Death Penalty Legalizing Marijuana Nationwide Homeland Security:  Terrorist threats in the U.S. Returning to a Military Draft Ending the Two Term Limit on Presidents Implementing Elections for Supreme Court Justices Imposing Term Limits on Members of Congress Improving Police and Community Relations  Examples of Scholarly Journals American Journal of Politics American Political Science Review American Politics Quarterly Environmental Policy and Law Environmental Science and Policy Foreign Affairs Foreign Policy Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy Journal of Politics Journal of Public Policy Political Behavior Political Communication Political Research Quarterly Public Opinion Quarterly Public Policy William and Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review Examples of Data Sources newspapers or government agencies broadcast or print websites statistical abstracts public opinion polls (e.g., Gallup poll)