Research Essay – Major Essay
Research Essay – Major Essay #2 (300 points)
Consider the course theme of family. We’ve read about how family influences, constrains, defines, and bonds people. How do elements surrounding family help us construct our identities? Does the family unit have a positive or negative influence on society as a whole? Examine the nature of family, then consider how family is either influenced by some element in society or how family dictates identity in some way.
1) Choose one aspect of the theme of family that you will research (i.e. socioeconomic class, religion, immigration, media consumption, etc.). Decide on a research question that you will pursue. Then, utilize the CSUSM Library for scholarly sources relevant to your research question. Blend your research and build a thesis that identifies your key findings. This portion of your essay should be at least 8-10 pages.Your research essay must have at least 7 sources, 5 of which must be scholarly.
2) Write a narrative detailing your research process. Answer the following questions:
How has research changed your thinking and understanding about the subject? What steps did
you take to conduct research and find sources? What databases did you use? Keywords in
searches and your successes/challenges in using the databases? Did your topic or research
question change as you conducted? If so, what prompted the changes? What overall challenges
with research and writing did you encounter? What surprised you about your topic and also the
research process? Contemplate both the challenges and successes of your research. This portion of your essay should be approximately 2-3 pages.
The research essay must meet the following requirements: 10-12 pages total, 1” margins all around, 12 point font (Arial or Times New Roman only), double-spaced, MLA format, including in-text citations and a Works Cited Page.
Due Dates:
n Proposal (separate prompt will be given for this): Thursday, November 15
n Conferencing: December 3 & 5 – Bring one copy of your draft for 50 pts
n Research Essay Due: December 12 (time TBA)- Submit essay to Cougar Courses