Major Research Paper: Choose a Canadian issue, person, event, theory, or movement from the list of approved topics under Handouts in MyLS or about which you are particularly passionate. Research it extensively and remember to think and write critically as well. This is not simply a descriptive research paper. It should have a thesis statement that is supported by concrete data and evidence, and a discernible analysis. Use a wide array of academic sources. A research essay of this size should have at least five (5) academic sources (scholarly books and journal articles). These sources may include one chapter or article from your textbook, which can be helpful in defining terms. If you are including any charts or diagrams, collect these in an appendix to be included at the end of the paper. The paper ought to be 8-10 typed, double-spaced pages, including citations, and a bibliography, but excluding a title page if one is used (e.g. in APA or Chicago style), and any appendices or diagrams. Be sure not to exceed this page limit.
Please note: All topics not chosen from the list of topics posted on MyLS under Handouts must be approved by the course instructor to ensure that your final paper will meet the assignment requirements. Be sure to write your proposal using the Essay Proposal Guidelines and to submit it to the dropbox for feedback by the due date. If you are choosing your own topic for the major research paper, consider one of the following topics within a Canadian context: women and poverty, women and health, women and violence (this should be narrowed down), women and unions, women and religion, or women and politics, etc. If you choose a topic like women and religion, try to narrow the topic down to a particular practice and/or period of time. If you choose to look at an outstanding historical figure, keep in mind that this is a research paper, not a biographical or persuasive paper. You are not simply to describe the person’s career in activism, but rather to make a particular argument about the person’s contribution to a specific feminist movement, or her particular politics, activist strategy, biases, etc. In all cases, analyse how the movement or the person contributed to specific additional rights for women in Canada and whether or not the gains have been sustained, OR analyse the factors involved in a particular social development or concern affecting women in Canada and why we see specific social or political effects. Whether you choose a topic from the pre-approved list or develop your own topic, please incorporate a personal response to the importance of the issue, the struggle, the gains or the retreat.
Essays must include an introduction, an analysis, and a concluding paragraph. Sources must be carefully cited and a bibliography attached. You are permitted to use any standard form of citations (Chicago style, MLA, APA – just be consistent in your application) in your papers. You will be expected to avoid the use of exclusive language in all your written submissions.
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