Assignment: The Synthesis Essay

During most of your time in college, your single expected major assignment will be in the area of research for most of your classes. You will be required to conduct quality research projects that help you understand and deal with many important issues in society. Therefore, it's in your best interest to establish a good understanding of a research project early in your career and dedicate a large percentage of your time in learning how to do it right. This is your first assignment to help you understand the basics at this level. Be sure to read and understand the information carefully before you begin.

Expectations: 1200+ words; MLA style documentation and formatting (get it all right); minimum of six sources

1. Research issues of concern in society that have an impact on our lives currently
2. Select one of these issues that interests you (maybe related to possible major?)
3. Write the essay
4. Part One: analyze the issue as it was discussed and viewed in the past

1. i. Why was the issue significant?
2. ii. What segment of society was most affected and concerned?
3. iii. What "sides" were presented about the issue?
4. iv. Why did people think the way they did?
5. v. What did they foresee in the future concerning this issue?

5. Part Two: trace the evolution of the issue and the debates/solutions surrounding it from then up to the present day; analyze the evolution

1. i. How did the issue change over time and why?
2. ii. How did the solutions evolve and why?
3. iii. Did the issue grow in significance or diminish and why?
4. iv. Tip: select a particular lens through which to view the issue, rather than try to cover everything about the issue

6. Part Three: identify and explain where the issue is today and make some predictions about what the future holds concerning this issue

1. i. Increase or decrease in significance?
2. ii. New methods for dealing with the issue
3. iii. Tip: again, continue to view the issue through the specific lens you've chosen

1. This is not simply a description essay. Trace and analyze what the effects are, who the winners and losers are, what is at stake, why are people concerned, etc. Analyze, evaluate, compare, contrast.

Note: you will also complete the following "sub-assignments" as part of this assignment.

• A research log of sources (sample of a research log will be available on blackboard)
• Annotation

o 4-6 annotated articles

• Research & Essay Plan with a detailed outline

MY TOPIC IS: THE possibility of the 3rd world war

• 3 possible causes well researched with sources included
• solution to prevent the war
• consequences if it happens
• positives and negative consequences (compare and contrast)
• what can be done?
• How close are we ?
• What kind of war (religious, nuclear, etc...)
• What things would change if it happens (economies, countries, markets, etc...).