GEN 499 week 5 assignment

Ashford 6: – Week 5 – Final Research Paper

Final Research Paper
 

Research the responsibility of a critical thinker in a contemporary society. You may choose any topic that deals with a contemporary social concern. Examine the principles of critical thought in relation to the chosen societal concern, and consider the importance of ethics, moral reasoning, a research-based process to search for truth, and the advantages of information technology in gathering data.
 

Potential social concerns include, but are not limited to health (e.g., obesity, smoking, or underage drinking), poverty (e.g., homelessness, basic needs, or transportation issues), family relations and dynamics (e.g., teen violence, physical abuse, depression, or suicide), social media (e.g., privacy), immigration (e.g., illegal), and education (e.g., plagiarism and/or cheating).
 

Your Final Research Paper should:

1. Include a literature review of three scholarly sources      based on the selected contemporary issue. Analyze the validity of the      author’s arguments and/or biases. 
2. Explain how academic knowledge impacts the social      elements and institutions of both local and global communities. 
3. Assess how the principles of active citizenship could      impact the contemporary issue during the next five to ten years. 
4. Include at least one reference to a multimedia      component (i.e., podcast, interactive website, blog, or video) and      evaluate the relevance of this piece in relationship to academic knowledge      and the selected issue. 

The paper must be 12 to 14 pages in length (excluding the title and reference pages) and formatted according to APA style. You must use at least 12 scholarly sources, six of which can be found in the Ashford Online Library.  Cite your sources within the text of your paper and on the reference page. For information regarding APA, including samples and tutorials, visit the Ashford Writing Center within the Learning Resources tab on the left navigation toolbar.
 

Writing the Final Research Paper
The Final Research Paper:

1. Must be 12 to 14 double-spaced pages in      length, and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford      Writing Center. 
2. Must include a title page with the following: 

   Title of paper 
   Student’s name 
   Course name and number 
   Instructor’s name 
   Date submitted 

3. Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a      succinct thesis statement. 
4. Must address the topic of the paper with critical      thought. 
5. Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis. 
6. Must use at least 12 scholarly sources, including      a minimum of six from the Ashford Online Library. 
7. Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in      the Ashford Writing Center. 
8. Must include a separate reference page, formatted      according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. 

 Carefully review the

Grading Rubric

for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.