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What is a position paper? In a position paper, you must select a controversial topic – one that has multiple sides or reasonable options

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What is a position paper?

In a position paper, you must select a controversial topic – one that has multiple sides or reasonable options. A position paper is an argument in favor of a perspective as well as an argument again the other or alternative view.

What is a position paper not?

·       A position paper is NOT a straight research paper in which you merely provide all the facts you can find on a topic.

·       A position paper is NOT solely a recital of your personal opinion.

·       In a position paper you must support your “take” on the topic AND refute, with resources, the other positions.

·       A position paper is an argument in favor of a perspective as well as an argument again the other or alternative side of 

the issue. You are trying to persuade the reader of the "rightness" of your position as well as the "wrongness" of the alternative or opposite position.

What are the segments of a position paper?

·       You must choose a side or position on a controversial topic.

·       You then briefly describe the topic and the position you have taken. The position should be one clear, definitive sentence - not a question and not a paragraph.

·       You must then defend your position using external resources.

·       You must next argue why the other or alternative position(s) are incorrect and support this section with external resources.

·       You need draw conclusions.

·       You must provide a complete bibliography

Are outside resources required?

·       Yes, you must find evidence that supports your position, use these are part of your argument and cite these in an acceptable bibliographical format.

·       You must ALSO find evidence that supports your rebuttal of opposing views, use that evidence in your rebuttal and include these references in your bibliography.

·       Remember, a position paper is NOT solely a recital of your personal opinion.

 This is the final written assignment for the course. For the term paper, you will prepare an 8 page research paper in which you explore and discuss in detail one of the emerging topics in this course. You may select a topic of your own, which must first be approved by the instructor. Follow written assignments guidelines 1. American Psychological Association (APA) style 2. Typed, double-spaced, 1 inch on all sides - left, right, top, and bottom margins, and size 12 font 3. A minimum of 50% of references must be from academic journal within past 5 years. 4. A minimum of 8 references are needed in addition to your text books references 5. All written submissions must have headings and subheadings. One long essay without headings, questions and answer numbers will receive a grade of zero 6. Less that 5% direct quotes 7. No BLANK spaces anywhere in the paper 8. Pictures are not included in the page numbers 9. Both within text and full citations at the end of the paper are required 10. Inserted page numbers on the lower right corner 11. Use correct grammar 12. Proofread your work prior to submission