The research paper is an individual assessment that measures your comprehensive understanding of a topic central to the course, as well as your ability to argue a position effectively, express yourself in clear, coherent and appropriate language and organize and present a position in an acceptable format. 

You are required to complete an original 8-10-page research paper (NOT including title page, abstract and references) to complete the course. The research paper must address: (1) a significant problem, question or issue bearing on U.S. financial markets and institutions, (2) research that demonstrates the validity and applicability of the problem, question or issue in the field, (3) a solution to the problem, question or issue or, if no solution is available, a discussion of alternatives that may be utilized and (4) at least ten relevant sources from primary-source documents or reports, peer-reviewed journals or equivalent materials with substantive academic value, cited in the text and identified as references. The research paper must adhere to APA style requirements in all respects.