For the Topics Inventory, you will construct a list of topics from which you may choose one to develop into a Research Paper for this course. This exercise is based on the models on p. 318 of Strategies for Writing Successful Research Papers, so you will want to refer back to this page for examples. (NOTE: The book does not always provide three possible topics per category, but you will be required to do so. Please see the Unit I Example.
English Composition
Purpose:
The purpose of this assignment is to help you formulate an inventory of topics that you are interested in so that you may choose one to research and develop into a Research Proposal. Be sure to choose a topic that you are invested in, as you are more likely to be motivated and excited about a subject that interests you. You will want to choose a topic that is academically viable, for as Lester et al (2011) state, "You can't write a personal essay and call it a research paper, yet you can choose topics close to your life".
Description:
You will supply three (3) possible topics in each of the following four (4) categories:
1. Academic subject
2. Social issue
3. Scientific subject
4. Cultural background
Within each of these four (4) categories, you will supply three (3) possible academic topics. Use the following format to organize your topics inventory:
1. Personal interest
2. The category (repeated from above: academic study, social issue, scientific subject, and cultural background)
3. Three possible academic topics (each should be distinctive, developed, and as specific as possible)
After you complete Part I, you will have twelve possible topics that you could choose from and develop into a research project. You will choose one of these and work with the same one for Part II and Part III.
Example: Academic study
1. Personal interest: Cars
2. Academic subject: Eco-engineering
3. Possible academic topic:
• "The Fate of Hybrid Vehicles: The Cost Is Not Worth the Environmental Toll"
• "Hydrogen Cars: Are They a Safe Alternative?"
• "Electric Cars Are Not ‘Saving' Environmental Resources, Only Saving
• Money at the Gas Pump".