Assignment: Policy Paper
This paper should provide, as a minimum, background information on the national security issue the student is discussing to include possible shortcomings to a current or related policy, their recommendation/position on the issue/policy, a discussion/argument for their position on the issue, and their recommendation(s) and conclusion(s) on the policy/issue discussed. Furthermore, it will develop students' analytical and writing skills. In addition, the student will examine government documents on current administration policy. Importance will be the student's ability to synthesize multiple sources, examine alternative courses of actions, and make a recommendation to change and improve an existing policy or recommend a new policy. Writing clearly and concisely, even when addressing major policy recommendations on complex issues, is an important skill for public servants working in the national security arena. In preparation, students will provide a one page paper proposal of their topic area/s and research question(s)/thesis.
Students will analyze and evaluate a current security issue and critique the corresponding US Policy as well as make corrective policy recommendations where necessary. Students should review government documents, such as the National Security Strategy, National Military Strategy, and Annual Report of the Secretary of Defense, agency papers, as well as applicable national security decision memorandums along with journal articles, newspaper commentaries, and think tank studies.
The paper should be a minimum of 12 pages and a maximum of 15 pages on a current national security issue - excluding the cover page and reference page.
Students will use Cambria or Times New Roman font, 12 point, double-spaced and will use the endnotes to annotate their citations.