econ 483 research paper
The topic is Has U.S. Refugee policy become more or less effective? https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/how-does-us-refugee-system-work
The requirement is below
Research Paper Assignment – Immigration
Assignment: You are to prepare a research paper about one immigration topic. A list of topics is posted on this same site. An outline of the paper will be presented in class during the last two weeks of classes. In case different arrangements have to be made, I will inform you prior to the presentation dates.
Motivation: The purpose of this assignment is to provide the class with an informed discussion about a current immigration challenge facing the U.S. or another country. Note that this assignment is meant to complement the readings and lectures that we will cover over the course of the semester. In addition, the assignment should help to familiarize you with data sources and with the difficulties associated with economic research in immigration research.
Deadline: For presentation: last two weeks of classes. See syllabus for specific dates. A sign-up list will be distributed. Final report due: May 4th.
March 18th – One page – topic and reason for choice. Typed, hard-copy upload on MyCourses.
Length: About 10-12 pages maximum should be sufficient to complete your immigration report. If you feel you need more space or are having difficulty finding enough information, come and see me. The format should be Times New Roman or Arial font, 12-font size, doubled spaced with 1-inch margins. ONE PAPER PER TEAM.
General structure of the immigration report:
- Background Information: (1-2 pg.) Your report should include some rationale about why you choose this topic. You should try to obtain current data and/or data from the last few decades if possible. Detailed data is not necessary, but it very helpful to have an idea of recent trends. You should try to put this data in context.
- Immigration topic: (7-8 pg.) Describe the problem/issue. Justify why this issue is important. What have others say/written about it? Layout clearly what the issue: who is affected? What are the consequences of inaction? How will the economy be affected? Who gains and who losses? Why has this issue not been resolved?
- Implications for immigration policy: (1-2 pg.) Who will benefit and who will lose by changes proposed or by inaction? Would resolving this issue help to formulate a coherent U.S. immigration policy? Should it be part of it? Should it stand alone? What are your recommendations based on your review of this issue?
In general, I will look for the following:
A rationale for choosing your topic. Why do you find it to be of interest or worthy of closer examination? What makes this topic or question interesting or intriguing? (To be covered in the issue selection due March 18th.)
Support or provide documentation of your claims. Provide the sources of facts and support assertions. If someone else said it originally, then credit that individual. Failure to credit others for their ideas, information, or data constitutes plagiarism and is subject to disciplinary action. If you are making your own personal claims, use data or other references to support your claims. Incorporate some of the suggestions made to your draft and do not forget to attach the original copy.
Proof read and edit your paper. As your professor, I have to read your papers. Grammatical and other errors irritate the reader and they may find it very difficult to finish reading it. You don’t want your boss, customer, or employees to skip your arguments because of poor writing. Don’t simply rely on a spell checker; it is amazing what they miss. Use a grammar checker twice on different settings, read your paper out loud, and have your friends or roommates read it for grammatical mistakes. The introduction and grammar are especially important. Based upon experience, I often know within the first page of a paper what the approximate grade is going to be. Persistent writing mistakes are like an anchor and provide a continual downward pull on the paper’s grade.
Conclusion or summary. Don’t simply stop writing after you have reached your x page goal. A research paper should not have a cliffhanger ending. Give your reader a sense of closure and come to a conclusion. Put your argument in perspective by giving some sort of summary that recaps the major issues and key points that led to you to come to this conclusion.
Final Paper: Your final paper should include a separate cover page with a title, the main text of your paper, and a bibliography (at least 8-10 different sources). You must upload your final copy in the appropriate dropbox in Blackboard by may 8th.
