Assignment: RESEARCH PAPER

Research Paper Topic:

Why is NewMexico poor and whatshould be done about it?

An 8-page paper

Format:

1) Double-spaced, use a 12 font.

2) 1 ½" margins on left, 1" margins elsewhere

3) At least 8 sources - half must be from sources other than the Internet.

4) Citation style - no footnotes, use the following: (Jones 1990) when using general background information, (Jones 1990, p. 8) when citing a specific fact or using a quote from a certain page. Then list your sources in any standard format in alphabetical order in a bibliography at the end of the paper.

5) No Wikipedia sources allowed. a letter grade deducted if you use this

6) Indent and single-space long quotes (avoid using too many).

7) If you plagiarize material use someone else's work, you will get a zero.

Part 1) How did this happen? (5 pages)

Discuss how geography helps explain why New Mexico is a poor state.

Part 2) What should we do about it? (3 pages)

Give a factual opinion on how we can improve economic conditions in New Mexico.

Discussion:

In Part 1

Analyze New Mexico's historical and cultural geography for reasons for why poverty is so common here. Use historical/cultural facts and demographic/income figures. New Mexico has been claimed by various Indian nations, Spain, Mexico, and the United States.As a result, New Mexicans often hold very different beliefs about whose place this is and howlife should be lived. What are some of those core beliefs? Cultural diversity is a wonderful partof living here, but does this limit

New Mexican's ability to agreeon how we can create a moreprosperous future?

In Part 2

Provide and briefly explain a thoughtful and factual set of recommendations for what can be done to reduce poverty in the state. A huge variety of topics might be consideredincluding: reducing social/cultural conflicts, improving educational achievement, changing taxpolicies, altering economic development and energy development strategies, and reforming U.S.-Mexico Border laws. Basically, give a fact-based plan for how to reduce poverty.