Final paper

The choice of topic for this paper is yours. So is the choice of format: conceptual or data-driven, a review of several issues or an elaboration of a single example, some combination thereof, and so on. You're welcome to adopt a format from one of the prior assignments, although you can't simply expand an old essay. In whatever way you choose to write this paper, there are only three requirements...

1. The paper must be a minimum of 8 pages, not including the bibliography required at the end.

2. The first paragraph must explicitly identify the kind of inquiry or project that you're up to with this paper. State clearly the goals you've set forth with this paper: "Reviewing the literature on QOL, I'll examine how utilitarianism shapes our contemporary understanding of QOL and argue that...," for example, or "Using a case study of local conflict over a Wal-Mart siting, I'll show how community expressions of QOL fail to support a genuinely collective understanding of QOL." This first paragraph will set the expectations I bring to grading your paper.

3. Whenever relevant, the paper should integrate the assigned readings as well as the many book excerpts and articles linked to the schedule website. Show that you've done the assigned reading and can situate your topic in the intellectual debates and social contexts addressed in the course. Quotations from the readings aren't necessary, and in fact too many make it look like you're padding the paper just to reach the required length. However, reference to specific points or ideas from the readings, not just their general topic or basic argument, will be rewarded most.

The paper should be delivered to my office (Blodgett 308) or e-mailed to me due by 5 pm on Sunday, December 13.

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