Term Paper Homework: Position Paper
In this activity, you will research all sides of a controversial environmental issue (e.g. The Keystone Pipeline, The use/ban of DDT, The Dakota Access Pipeline, Global Climate Change, The US withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord, Human population growth and food security, energy use and environmental implications, Hydraulic fracking, location of landfills etc.) to gain a better understanding of the environmental issue and articulatea position based on the evideynoLcueeahranviencgovOlelebscjetAecddt.idressed by this Activity
o Be prepared to apply critical and reflective thinking in environmental science.
o Articulate a position on an environmental issue.
o Provide evidence that supports a position on an environmental issue.
Description
You will prepare a 3 pages position paper that includes your opinions, viewpoints, feelings, and the evidence that supports them. The 3 pages limit does not include the reference list and figures/data tables. Figures and tables if included, should not take up more than one third of a page. All figures and or data tables should have a title.
The main reason for this activity is for you to use your critical thinking skills to analyze the different arguments of an issue and then articulate your own position on the issue (supported by evidence).
Assessment
A description of the evaluation criteria is included in the guidelines following.
Paper Guidelines
A position paper differs from a traditional term paper in that it includes your opinions, viewpoints, feelings, and the evidence that supports them. The main reason for this activity is to understand an issue better by researching all sides of the issue thoroughly. Choose an environmental topic that interests you (you can select from the list above or choose a topic of your own). Research the different sides of the issue and think about your position on the issue. Write a position paper based on the guidelines outlined below. The paper should be 3 pages long (12 pts font, 1 ½ spaced). If your paper is longer than 3 pages, I will grade the first 3 pages. Use at least 5 sources for the paper and make sure you use the proper format (APA) for your paper and reference list. The following books, available at the HCCs bookstore will help you explore different environmental issues:
o Taking sides. Clashing views on controversial environmental issues / selected, edited, and with introductions by Theodore D. Goldfarb
o Taking sides. Clashing views on controversial environmental issues / selected, edited, and with introductions by Thomas A. Easton
Evaluation Criteria and Guidelines:
Paper: Please turn in the cover sheet I provided
o Introduction: Statement of the issue to be discussed.
o Description of more than one side of the issue supported by relevant and multiple sources of information (use references).
o Clear concise statements of your position on the issue.
o Discussion of your position supported by relevant and multiple sources of information.
o Questions that have arisen as you researched the issues and information you need to understand the issue better.
o Concise summary statement restating the issue, your position, and the essential evidence that supports your position.
o Literature Cited (APA)
Appropriate number (minimum of 5)
Appropriate type (not only opinions) Proper format (see below for examples)
Format your homework according to the following formatting requirements:
o The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
o The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
o Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.
Example of proper format for references IN TEXT:
Book or Journal Article: The wild boar has caused extensive damage to the wildlife reserve. (Smith, 1993).
Personal Communication: J.W. Jones explained that the Smoky Mountains are used quite extensively during the summer months (personal communication, August 24, 2000).
The Smoky Mountains are used quite extensively during the summer months (J.W. Jones, personal communication, August 24, 2000).
Note: Personal communications should be referred only in text. Provide initials and as exact a date as possible. Explain who the person is and why their input is important.
Examples of proper APA (American Psychological Association) format for LITERATURE CITED:
Journal Article: Adelgid, B. W. (1999). Killing fraser firs in the Smoky Mountains. Journal of Exotics and Introduced Species. 1 (15), 13-15.
Book: Boar, E. W. (1993). Upsetting the balance of the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. (3rd ed.). London: Island Press.
On-Line Sources: Mussel, Z., Loosestrife, P. (September 23, 1999). Gaining a foothold in a new environment [On-Line].
A brief listing of some suggestions that should be implemented in your position paper to ensure the highest quality:
Make sure your ‘voice' is apparent in the paper - don't overuse quotes. Use the writing lab as a resource.
Have others proofread your paper for spelling, grammar, and organizational problems. Have at least one literate, logical friend read through your paper carefully to check for "flow of logic" mistakes, ambiguous statements, etc.
Make sure you write a position paper and NOT a traditional term paper. There is a difference! If you are unsure about the difference reread the guidelines and talk with me.