The paper should be an analysis of an issue critical to the development of the theory and practice of homeland security where the student researches the issue, and prepares his or her original thoughts and at least one credible recommendation related to future Homeland Security policy. The recommendation should be part of the conclusion. 

The final paper is a formal paper and the text should adhere to APA style. That means a title page, page numbers in the running heading, and an alphabetized and properly formatted reference list. This is a research paper and requires in-text citations and proper use of quotation marks for all cited material. You should have at least 6, and preferably 8 to 10, references, which are cited within the text. It is not enough just to list sources in the bibliography. The paper must be between 2000 but no more than to 2500 words (excluding the front matter and reference list). Papers submitted with less than 1500 words are considered non-responsive and will not be graded.

The final paper is worth 20% of your grade. The professor must approve all topics and thesis statements in advance, which students should submit by the end of Week 4.

The research paper should adhere to a consistent format, described below.

1. Typewritten in double-spaced format, except discussion forums with a readable style and font and submitted inside the electronic

2. A reference list for all outside references used, including the textbook

3. Arial or Times New Roman styles, 12-point font

4. Page margins Top, Bottom, Left Side and Right Side = 1 inch

PLEASE NOTE THAT PREVIOUSLY SUBMITTED PAPERS, OR PREVIOUS WORK MAY NOT BE USED FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT. IF USED, THE GRADE IS AN AUTOMATIC ZERO.