Research Paper Assignment: Proposing the Research Question 

Purpose

The purposes of this assignment are to gain experience in developing a research question and to select a topic and question for next semester's research paper. The research question must deal with the relationship between environment and warfare. It can cover historical or contemporary concerns, be focused at small or large scale issues, relate to the US and/or other nations, and can deal with one or more stages of warfare as defined in class. 

Key Resources

All of the assigned readings can be a source of topics and research questions. Additional resources include national newspapers, websites that deal with environment and conflict, and the UI Library (books, reports, and scientific journals). Faculty and fellow students can also help you in identifying interesting and important questions. 

Assignment Tasks 

1. Choose a general topic of interest to you. Since this topic will guide your work not only for this assignment but for next semester's research paper, select a topic that is of particular interest to you. 

2. Review available resources online and at the UI Library, to see if there are sufficient materials related to the topic to guide your research. 

3. Develop a research question. It must be stated as a question (such as "How does warfare impact children?"  or "How will climate change alter conflict between the nations of Africa?"); be sure it ends with a question mark! 

4. Prepare a 3-page research proposal (see details below and follow all instructions carefully). 

5. Proofread the proposal before turning in the assignment. The assignment must be turned in on paper (see instructions); electronic submissions will not be accepted. 

Instructions for Preparing the Research Proposal 

The research proposal must have the following key sections: 

1. An introduction that describes the general topic and why it is important. 

2. The research question, clearly and concisely stated. If special terms need to be defined, they should be defined in a paragraph after the question. 

3. The rationale, which describes why the specific research question is important. 

4. The potential sources, which suggests the sources you will use in doing your research. In addition to a general description, three specific printed sources (a book, article or report) relevant to your research question should be cited as examples. 

5. A list of references, which lists the references you have used in your proposal. Be sure to use a common and formal format for all references. 

Preparing the Proposal 

The assignment must be prepared in formal prose, with correct grammar and accurate spelling. The proposal must be typed, in 10-point font (the same size type as this assignment handout). The proposal must be single-spaced, single-sided, with 1' margins on all sides. The proposal should not exceed 3 pages. The proposal should have your name in the upper right of the first page, and be stapled. The proposal should be handed in at the beginning of class on Wednesday 3 December. The proposal will be evaluated on its professional preparation (including neatness, grammar, spelling and organization), meeting all the instructions of the assignment, and the creativity and importance of the research question.