Prepare a research paper on a national security topic. for example ( Hybrid War or US Foreign Policy or
Globalization or Nuclear Issues or Cyber-warfare)
the paper should be at least five (5) pages not including the title page and the Sources, double space
Tips on Papers:
- Proofread carefully! Nothing deducts from the score more than missing words and unclear sentences. Read your final paper out loud; or allow someone trusted to read it. If an outside reader has difficulty understanding the main points, you are not being clear!
Do the research. You are not a credible writer if you write about immigration, for example, and do not research the president’s latest executive order on the issue. If you write on US relations with Cuba, for example, be sure to look at the president’s latest speech. Such documents can be found easily on congressional websites and whitehouse.gov. You must review primary documents in order to oppose or defend.
- Consider bullet points to convey essential data. Graphics help to make a paper more professional.
- Include a map if you write about a country and name several locations.
- Keep personal opinion for an essay. (The assignment is not an essay.)
- Cite sources, using whichever style you prefer.
- Watch grammar, and especially sentence and verb agreement.
- Make sure sentences are precise and accurate; avoid long sentences.
- Avoid writing the obvious, such as “terrorism is bad…” That distracts from making interesting observations and analytical assessments. Keep to what you have learned from the research.
- Think about sub-headings that to organize your research.
- Be sure to consider a diversity of perspectives. A thorough scholarly paper usually examines more than simply “one side” or one perspective of any complex national security issue. ( As professional analysts, this is known as the Alternate Scenario. Even if you ultimately choose one perspective as more accurate, to be regarded as a serious writer, you will need to show perspective. Passion is wonderful, as it drives us all toward great new academic heights! But passion must never become an “escape card” freeing you from careful research and critical thinking, which also means objectivity and challenging your own views.