DNA Exonerations and Race
Research Project: (20%) Each student will complete a major research project by researching a topic (can be an empirical study or literature review) and by writing an analytical paper (15-20 pages) related to a controversial issue that reflects the interdisciplinary nature of this course (race/ethnicity, psychology and the legal system). Once you have selected your topic, you must find at least 15 scholarly sources (books, articles with in books, journal articles, etc.) on your topic. All topics must be approved by me in advance. Details of possible research projects will be provided later.
Paper Guidelines:
Introduction: Your introduction should clearly and concisely describe
(a) the topic of your paper (b) the controversial issue or question (c) the
(b) various points of view or differing explanations proposed in the literature you have read regarding your topic.
Body of your paper:
(a) describe the research or the literature that you have found
(b) describe any conflicting views you have come across, indicating the best arguments and evidence on all sides
(c) describe your point of view based on your review of the literature or empirical evidence, and explain how you reached your conclusion
Conclusion: briefly summarize the purpose of your paper, your overall findings, and your conclusions as to which view you support the most and how the controversial issue could be resolved.
Reference List: You must have a list of your 15 sources, written in APA
style.
Part 1: (due 10-22):
Introduction (1-2 pages): Your introduction should clearly and concisely describe
(c) the topic of your paper (b) the research issue or question (c) the
(d) various points of view or differing explanations proposed in the literature you have read regarding your topic (e) proposed method of study
Reference List: You must have at least 10 of your sources, written in APA style.
Part 2 (Final Paper due 11-19 or 12-3)
Your final paper (15 pages) should include:
Body of your paper:
(d) describe the research/results that you have found
(e) describe any conflicting views you have come across, indicating the best arguments and evidence on all sides
(f) describe your point of view based on your review of the literature or empirical evidence and explain how you reached your conclusion.
(g) Power point presentation of findings (summary) for class presentation