Project Requirements

Research paper

Extra credit research paper (5 grade points): Each student may present results of their independent research of an assigned topic by submitting a research paper. Presentation of research results will demonstrate written communication skills. Critical thinking skills will be evident in the quality of the student's analysis of the assigned problem.

Project description

As you noticed in the syllabus, one course requirements is for you to complete a thesis based research paper. The purpose of this research project is to give you an opportunity to complete a formal writing assignment, to give you an opportunity to think critically about an economic issue, and to expand the entire class' exposure to more in-depth coverage of an important issue through oral presentation of your research paper arguments. Papers are due approximately three weeks prior to the last day of regular classes.

You are to prepare a paper describing the results of your independent research into an issue relevant to our current studies. You are to prepare and submit a typed, fully cited and footnoted, five page (maximum) research paper. The paper and bibliography must be prepared in library paper format - I prefer Chicago (Turabian) style.

The objective of your paper will be to convince your fellow ECN 101 classmates of the soundness of your thesis by exploring the economic facts, circumstances and consequences surrounding an economic issue confronting United States policymakers today. You should attempt to provide a balanced approach to the issue by considering alternative views. Accepted economic principles, theory and facts, not opinion, should be the basis for your arguments.

Remember, in thinking about economic questions, we must distinguish questions of fact from questions of fairness. Questions involving ethical precepts and norms of fairness can only be resolved thorough political debate. I want positive economic arguments that come from analysis and empirical evidence, not normative economic arguments based on ethics or societal norms. Society determines the optimal mix - not economists. Positive economics seeks to explain why the economy behaves the way it does. I want you to make your case for what will happen should alternative approaches be taken.

The issues from which you may choose include the following: (I’m open to other suggestions – but you must get my approval):

The federal budget deficit should/should not be reduced by increasing taxes.

America's health care industry should/should not be nationalized.

A federally mandated ceiling should/should not be established for salaries of business executives/sports stars/entertainment and media figures.

The federal minimum wage should/should not be raised to $15/hour.

The new welfare (workfare) laws should/should not be repealed.

Tax cuts should/should not be expanded in order to stimulate the economy.

The federal government should/should not establish guidelines to close the income inequality gap.

Social security benefits should/should not be lowered to avoid bankrupting the program.

U.S. taxpayers should/should not fund actions necessary to avoid the consequences of global warming.

The defense budget should/should not be raised to pay for the new "war on terrorism".

(Note: While I expect "positive", not "normative" economic views to form the basis of your research paper, normative economic views are worthy of your personal consideration. I invite you to explore the National Conference of Catholic Bishops' publication Economic Justice for All: Pastoral Letter on Catholic Social Teaching and the U.S. Economy, November 1986. The letter establishes the basis for the Church's approach to ethical economic decision making and should receive your attention and reflection.)

Contact Information:

Office:
Room 370 "Old Main"

Phone:
360.438.4587

E-Mail: dstout@stmartin.edu