My topic is WE SHOULD HAVE STRICTER ENVIROMENTAL POLICIES
Posting Your Paper
Please submit your paper in .Doc or .Docx format by clicking on the "Submit Assignment" link in the upper right part of this page. Please do not use any other format and do not submit your paper via Google docs.
This program checks for originality (to avoid plagiarism). If you have problems posting your paper, please email your paper to me (Canvas inbox) and I will post it for you.
While composing your paper save your document frequently and create a back-up (for example, you can email it to yourself in Canvas or send it to your personal email).
Please also post a copy of your paper in the Discussions folder titled "Position Paper Discussions Folder" (see link on our Modules page), so that your classmates can read and critique your paper.
The Critiques
Please see the Critiques link in the next assignment in this module for more information about the critique.
Position Paper Length
Your paper should be an approximately 1,500 word position paper (the word count is merely a guideline; it can be a bit shorter or longer, as long as your paper has substance and you adequately support your position). The purpose of the paper is to facilitate your learning about a specialized economics topic as well as to help you become a better writer and critical thinker.
Topics
Your paper should be a position paper; in other words, you are to defend a position (a stance, or opinion) on an economic issue. Your position should include a recommended policy course of action, such as "We Should Simplify the United States Tax System".For example, you may support the adoption of a national consumption tax to replace our current income tax system. Be sure to present several clear arguments in defense of your position. In addition, include arguments that opponents of your position commonly present and then address these arguments (either point out their flaws, or admit that they are pretty good arguments, but that the advantages of your position outweigh the advantages of the opposition's side).Choose a topic, which is different from one you have used for a similar assignment in another class. Also, make sure it has two debatable sides. A topic, such as: "We should encourage a higher standard of living" is not appropriate, because it does not have two sides (who would not want a higher standard of living?). "The effects of terrorism on the world economy" is also not appropriate, because it is a descriptive paper and not a position and a recommended course of action. Once you have selected a topic, please post your topic in the Discussions folder Position Paper Topics (in Module 2), so that no two students choose the same topic (first come first serve).
Sound Arguments and Critical Thinking
A large part of my evaluation of your paper will be based on how well you have substantiated your arguments. I will look to see whether your position and opinions are based on sound economic reasoning and if you have applied the principles communicated in our class and the text. When you read any article or paper, read it with a critical eye (see the Critical Thinking section in unit 1 of our text). A significant portion of what has been written in the media is filled with misconceptions, fallacies and biases. Do not automatically accept someone's conclusion. Also, be careful about what "studies show". Statistics are often misused. Always ask yourself if something makes sense and if it complies with proven economic principles and logic. Also look at the big picture. Study the effects on all groups, not just one. Evaluate short-run versus long-run effects. If you are not sure about the validity of a particular argument or would like further information about a topic, please contact me.
Use Your Own Original Words (Avoid Plagiarism)
Write both the paper, except for quotes. All quotes combined may not take up more than 20% of your paper, so at least 80% of your paper should be your original sentences. Document (in a reference page, or as footnotes) every quote, idea or statistic you borrow from another source. Do not copy sentences or paragraphs directly from other sources, unless it is a quote. Even if you change a few words in undocumented, copied sentences, our program (this is like turnitin.com) will pick it up and report it as plagiarism. Plagiarism is a serious academic offense. It will result in a zero on your project and possibly a notation on your official transcript. If you have any questions about what constitutes plagiarism, please contact me.
If you need help with research, you canchatlive with a librarian 7 days a week:https://howardcc.libguides.com/chat(Links to an external site.)
Documentation Format
For information about how to cite sources, please visit our HCC library electronic resources website. See also (Links to an external site.).Any accepted style is fine: MLA, APA, etc.
Grammar and Spelling
Please ensure that both your paper read well. Use correct spelling, grammar, and logical organization. I am available to review drafts or outlines of your paper. If you would like me to review your paper, please email me a copy at least 5 days before the deadline. If English is not your native language and/or if you typically experience problems with your grammar and spelling, be sure to receive help from several composition experts. It is important to be able to communicate properly in the business world, so grammar and spelling is an important grading criterion in our course. If your submission contains more than 5 errors per page, I will return it ungraded and ask you to revise it. Your grade will suffer as a result.
Additional Resources
You are encouraged to read about your topic by studying books, newspapers, journals, magazines, Internet and ProQuest, and other computerized sources of journal and newspaper information, personal interviews, radio and television programs, etc. A wealth of sources is available in our Howard Community College library; visit
then click on Electronic Resources. Or feel free to contact me if you need help.