Notre Dame High School Library - Projects and Reserves - SA - Social Ethical

A few things to keep in mind when choosing a topic: watch, read, listen to the news for possible topics! brainstorm possible topics find a topic which is debatable, since you will need to write a persuasive paper and "take a stand" on an issue find a topic which is narrow enough for an 8 page paper - find a unique aspect of the topic! find a topic for which you can incorporate these six areas:  1) Theology/Ethics  2) History  3) Math/Science/Health  4) Language/Literature/Cultural Views  5) Visual and Performing Arts  6) Social Sciences (Psychology/Sociology/Economics) READ, READ, READ about possible topics - do not just choose a topic without reading any articles about it find a topic which truly interests you! Try these sources to help you brainstorm topics for your Academic Challenge Paper on a social ethical issue: Print sources: current news magazines and newspapers browse books with call numbers 179 (ethics) and 300s (social issues) reference book Social Issues, call number REF 301.03 Soc Online sources: Databases Any of the Social Issues / Current Events databases (The Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center is especially good for this project.  Browse or use the subject headings/topics.  For example, use ProQuest and click on the "topics" tab to browse topics and sub-topics.) Web sites web sites listed under "Social Issues" web sites listed under "News/Current Events" Here's a site which will help you create a thesis:  The Writing Center - University of  Wisconsin - Madison More tips... *Remember sources for your paper are to be from reliable sources such as subscription databases, books, and periodicals.  Web sites need to be approved by your advisor.  You need a minimum of ten sources for your paper.  Of course, you will find more than 10 possible sources as  you conduct your research!  Try to learn everything you can about the topic!  Gather, gather, gather information, read it, and then select the best sources for your paper. *Remember to find information for ALL aspects of your topic.  Find ALL the views people have about your topic.  In other words, you will need to learn about views and arguments which go against your thesis.  You should be able to defend your thesis against the best arguments held by those who don't agree with your view. *As you refine your topic and begin research for your paper, don't forget about interlibrary loan!  (Here's a link to library catalogs to search.) *Once you have a topic and have found the best searches in ProQuest, set-up RSS feeds in ProQuest!  These feeds alert you via e-mail when a new article which fits your search is added to ProQuest.  See Ms. Kleparek for more information. See your advisor with any questions!