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American Dilemmas: CULF 2321   Tags: american_dilemmas, culf2321  

Resources and strategies to find the information needed for your American Dilemmas social policy paper.
Last Updated: Mar 20, 2013 URL: http://guides.stedwards.edu/americandilemmas Print Guide RSS UpdatesShareThis

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Using this Guide

The American Dilemmas paper requires specific elements be included and  this guide is organized to suggest sources for each element. Also included is general information to aid you in the research process.  See tabs above or use links below to find the information you need at the point you need it.

Elements of the Paper                              General Research Help
Exploring the Issue Expand Your Research
Parties/Stakeholder Search Strategies
Policy Element Is This Website Credible?
Statistics and Evidence Requesting Items We Don't Have
Austin Dilemmas Organize and Save Your Research
Write and Cite

Topic Selection is Crucial

Q What should I consider when selecting a topic for my Capstone or American Dilemmas paper?

Updated: May 08, 2013

Topics:

A

The American Dilemmas and Capstone papers require specific elements. There must be an identifiable, documented policy, usually legislation, regulation or some proposed action that is enforceable by an organization designed to address a social problem where the proposed solution has generated public controversy/debate by credible parties -- these can be organizations or influential individuals. 

Some examples: 

Social Problem Controversial Solution Policy
  • Teenage pregnancy
  • Abortion
  • Roe v Wade 1973
  • Juvenile Crime
  • Juveniles tried as adults
  • Juvenile Crime and Delinquency Prevention Act 1968
  • Air pollution
  • Alternative energy
  • Energy Policy Act 2005

For a successful topic, you should be able to answer YES to the following questions:

  • Is your social problem currently being discussed? In published sources?
  • Is your controversial policy solution currently being discussed? In published sources?
  • Are there at least two well-articulated sides? Are both sides publishing their positions?
  • Is there "enough" research/information available on your topic?

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