For the Final Research Paper, students will select a topic from the list below and write an eight- to ten-page paper (excluding title page and reference page) using a minimum of six scholarly sources. These topics represent a few of the challenges the United States faces in homeland security, specifically with respect to terrorism and its impact on American society. The paper should demonstrate an understanding of the topic through a review of literature, analysis of specific incidents, evaluation of deterrents, and recommendations or evaluations of existing preparedness measures.
Students are encouraged to research United States Government websites, the CIA Fact Book, and the databases available through the Ashford University Library.
Appropriate research topics are:
Balancing civil liberties and domestic security
A comparative study of extreme Islamic terrorist groups
Causes of domestic terrorism
The impact of cyberterrorism on the US economy
Mitigations against acts of terrorism
The Final Research Paper must:
Analyze historical incidents appropriate to the topic selected and draw conclusions based on analysis.
Evaluate the effectiveness of deterrents and existing antiterrorism measures.
Propose recommendations based on the analysis of historical incidents and the evaluation of deterrents and antiterrorism measures.
Writing the Final Research Paper
The Final Research Paper:
Must be eight to ten double-spaced pages (excluding title page and reference page) in length and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the approved APA style guide.
Must include a cover page with the following:
Title of paper
Student's name
Course name and number
Instructor's name
Date submitted
Must include an introductory paragraph with a succinct thesis statement.
Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.
Must conclude with a restatement of the thesis and a conclusion paragraph.
Must use at least six scholarly sources (two of these must be from the Ashford University Library).
Must use APA style as outlined in the approved APA style guide to document all sources.
Must include, on the final page, a reference page that is completed according to APA style as outlined in the approved APA style guide