Research resources

M4 Worksheet
Coming up with a Topic. Often, research projects start with a proposal. The proposal
helps you determine whether you have sufficient information to convince readers that
your topic is worth pursuing, that you have a good grasp of the relevant literature, and
that your thesis and expected outcomes are sound. Here are some steps to follow as you
create and develop your topic:
”itle Page – Write a 5-7 word title that is concise, descriptive, and catchy. You
may use a sub-title of 10-12 words to narrow the field of inquiry and provide
additional detail.
urpose – Write 1-2 sentences that state the purpose of your research and why it
interests you. Identify how the research will help foster your personal and or
professional growth and development, and briefly discuss which disciplines your
research might traverse (Literature, History, Political Science, Sociology,
Anthropology, The Arts, etc.).
pening Statement, Argument or Hypothesis – The opening statement, argument
or hypothesis focuses your ideas for the paper; it’s your argument, in-sight or
viewpoint summarized into a sentence or two that gives the reader your main
idea. It presents the purpose of your paper and clearly indicates why it is worth
exploring. If you are not sure about how to refine, narrow or broaden your thesis,
return to your title and think about how the words you have chosen reflect the
main point.
nnotated Bibliography – Good research papers include a bibliography (or list of
sources consulted to develop the project). Many researchers often familiarize
themselves with the sources they consult by creating annotations, which are brief
descriptions of the source and its key points. As you write annotations, think
about them as a means to help you write your paper. How do the sources
contribute to your thesis and argument? Do the authors support your point of
view or do they present an alternative perspective? Please note that it is
important to include a variety of perspectives. The Empire State College online
Library website can offer guidance on preparing annotations.
Expected Outcomes – Write 1-2 sentences about what you expect your research
will find. What do you hope to prove or disprove? What knowledge do you think
you might unearth that is not widely known?
The Empire State College online Library has resources available for help in defining and
fine-tuning research topics. Follow this link to a list of readings on “Research Writing”.
”opics To Consider: The Broad View
The content guides for module 4 deal with broad topics under which your project most
likely will fall. The project may cross into two or three topics but generally will emphasize
one over another. To help you develop your topic and work together to find relevant
resources, I encourage you to consider the following areas, and to revisit the
country/regional studies we did in Modules 1-2 as a means of making the topic specific
to a particular country, region, or demographic group in Africa:
Family and Kinship
African Traditional Belief Systems
Gender and Development
Nation Building
Literature, Culture, and the Arts
Education
Political and Economic Development
Environment
Ethnic Conflict
To further familiarize yourself with the countries of Africa, visit the Africa Focus
Database.
•
•
•
•
lease keep in mind that the idea behind doing research is exploration. As you delve into
research, you will probably find that you hypothesis, opening statement, and other key
points will need to be revising. Update the worksheet, as you do the research. It will help
keep you on track.
Research Resources
For this essay, I would like to see your bibliography include the following:
•
•
Academic Journal Articles= A minimum of 3 citations/works used (use the Library
resources and helpful information provided above as well as elsewhere in this
course)
Current Affairs Articles or news clippings = A minimum of 3 citations/works used
(Washington Post, NY Times, Boston Globe, Newsweek, CNN, etc.)
Internet Sources – A maximum of 3 credible Internet sources. As a general rule of
thumb, any source with an “.org” domain is likely to be a reputable source. (All
Africa Website).
Monographs (Books) – A minimum of 3 citations/works used.
Assignment
•
’eview the M4 Worksheet: Developing the Research Project to
ensure that you understand the expectations of the Research
Essay you are being asked to write.
Begin looking for research resources through the ESC Library’s
academic databases. As you find resources, create threads in the
following manner:
o In the title area, name the general topic that the research
resource covers, such as Family & Kinship, Ethnic Conflict,
Environment, Gender, etc.
In the post area:
o Place a properly formatted citation for the source that
includes the authors, title, date of publication, and other
details.
o Place a brief annotation of 50-100 words that summarizes
the source.
Please Note: As you are working on this project, you might stumble
onto information that is helpful for other classmates. Please help them
by sharing links and resources using a reply to their posts.
Your research essays must have a bibliography with at least 12 sources.
With that in mind, I encourage you to add at least four entries each
week on the following types of resources:
•
•
Academic Journal Articles
Current Affairs Articles or news clippings
Internet Sources
Monographs (Books)
Before submitting an entry please read the SUNY Empire State College
statement on Academic Integrity.
Please use the Chicago Style for citations, and take care to ensure that
the citations are completed properly. Your Assignment will be assessed
using the Historical Writing Guidelines.

Purchase answer to see full
attachment