The research proposal is an initial assignment that describes/details your project. There are two parts that comprise it: (1) the topic description and (2) a working bibliography of at least 20 potential academic sources in AP format. Please note you are not expected to have read all the sources for the working bibliography. You are expected to have sufficiently reviewed them to determine their relevance/appropriateness for the topic.

1. Topic Selection and Description: well-developed 2-3-page document (double-spaced) that integrates the following elements:
2. Draft thesis statement (identify the problem you want to fix).
3. Detailed description of topic including relevant subtopics and relevant related ideas
4. Include background information: Historical context, definitions, statutes, policies, procedures, cases.
5. List and briefly discuss recommendations on how to fix the problem.
6. List and briefly discuss the social implications, both positive and negative (unintended consequences).
7. Working Bibliography: A preliminary list of potential academic sources that is related to your topic. Again, you are not expected to have read all the sources at this point. However, you should do an initial screening for topical relevance, potential biases/validity, and datedness (Is the source too old to be relevant, e.g., statistical/data sources).
8. At least 20 potential academic sources
9. Balance of primary and secondary sources
10. Significant number of scholarly (peer reviewed) journals and books as well as webpages, etc.
11. Central and all primary subtopics should have multiple sources
12. Please include a hyperlink at the end of each reference so that I may review your sources.