Inquiry Paper

 

English 102 is first and foremost a writing class.  For most students, it is also the last class that allows them to truly practice and hone their writing skills.  As we have already discussed, the specifics topics chosen by 102 instructors are merely vehicles for teaching reading and writing techniques.  We will begin our study of research writing with an Inquiry Paper. 

 

Description

Inquiry papers are different from argumentative or thesis-based papers as they are driven by questions, not answers.  The purpose of an inquiry paper is to discover new information, then present it in an efficient, effective, and more or less neutral way.  Instead of trying to prove a point or argue a side, you will be presenting many possible interpretations about a topic or issue.  For your Inquiry Paper, you will be exploring one moral issue that your feel passionate about.  Your topic can be as broad as "greed" or as specific as "genocide," but it should be a topic that truly interests you.  You will be spending the next month gathering information about and writing on this topic, so choosing an interesting and intricate moral issue is important. 

 

Paper Requirements

-        Please choose one moral issue that interests and excites you.  Be sure to choose an issue you will want to work with for several weeks, as you will revise your Inquiry Paper into your Argumentative Paper. 

-        You will post a paper proposal on WebCT in order to get ideas and feedback.  The proposal guidelines are described below. 

-        Your paper will be 6-8 pages in length and must follow the format guidelines described on your syllabus.

-        As the point of this particular paper is to research, ask questions, and inquire, you must present at least three different viewpoints.  For example, if your chosen moral topic is "genocide," you could present the views of the victims, the perpetrators, and outsiders.  The whole idea here is to vary your information and provide readers with a more in depth and complete view of your topic. 

-        You must gather at least ten sources for your Inquiry Paper.  These sources will be organized into an annotated bibliography.  It is highly recommended that you use a variety of sources, including the Internet, books, journals, and scholarly articles.  As you begin your research, be sure to note where you are finding your information.  We will discuss how to create an annotated bibliography in class. 

-        Do not be tempted to put an argument into this paper.  While your voice should be audible, you should be acting more as a neutral informer.  It is okay to express your thoughts, but do not place your own moral viewpoints or objections into your work just yet. 

 

Proposal Guidelines

Proposals are meant to define the purpose of your research and indicate what your plan of action will be.  Proposals are helpful in that they allow you to think through the process of your paper with little effort.  Your peers and I will be viewing your proposals and will give you advice on the feasibility of your project.

 

Procedure

  1. Identify the general topic or problem of your paper and explain its significance.  In other words, why did you choose this topic?  Be sure to describe your topic in detail, as others may not have any idea what you're talking about.  Also, explain what you think you already know about the topic.  What are your preconceived notions or prejudices?     
  2. Present the issue of your chosen topic and the questions you would like to address in your paper. 
  3. Briefly sketch your research plan.  This may include how you will come in contact with your topic, how you will observe them, what outside methods you may need to turn to, etc.
  4. Post this proposal on WebCT.  Be sure to respond to at least two of your classmates' proposals as well.  Give helpful and insightful feedback. 

 

 

The Inquiry Paper should be viewed as a chance to fully explore a topic you're passionate about.  I urge you to spend as much time on this paper as possible, as it will make your Argumentative Paper easier.  Find quality sources, organize your information effectively, and questions your own understanding of your chosen moral issue.  Please feel free to come by and discuss your paper with me, as I am more than willing to help you in this process. 

 

Due Dates:

WebCT Proposal with two responses: Thursday, February 8th

Annotated Bibliography

            First three sources: Friday, February 16th

            Second three sources: Friday, February 23rd

            Final four sources: due with paper

Rough Draft: Monday, February 26th

Final Draft: Friday, March 2nd