Focus on the geography of a region of interest and how geography relates to an implementation of a project or to the cause of or resolution to a problem in the region.
The study should examine natural resources and resource challenges, paying particular attention to mineral, oil, water, and other high valued items present in the region.
The study should also address future geographical challenges of the region and include recommendations for infrastructure changes which would help maximize effective use of resources.
The course culminates with a substantive research paper or academic project that reflects broad knowledge, in-depth understanding, analysis, synthesis, and creativity in regard to the topics addressed.
In addition to the above, analysis, synthesis and recommendations should consider U.S. strategic implications when practical. Evaluations should be made as to the viability of the chosen country to continue as or become a U.S. strategic partner.
Week 1 Assignment:
Identify your topic, explain why it is of interest and significance,
Identify specific questions you wish to answer, and
Articulate the learning outcomes you want to achieve.
There is no specific length required for this assignment. It could be one page or several pages. What you need to do is to identify your topic, explain why it is of interest and significance, identify specific questions you wish to answer, and articulate the learning outcomes you want to achieve.
Review the OWL: Purpose and audience: What is a White Paper?, particularly the words: authoritative and informative. Plan to argue a specific position or propose a solution to a problem, advocate that a certain position is the best way to go or that a certain solution is best for a particular problem. Maybe these words will jog your thinking into a certain direction.
The PDF page Planning, Designing and Doing Action Research by Jean McNiff presents a list of questions to ask to shape an action research project. This list concerns the entire project, not just identifying a topic and questions, but it will be useful for you to read the list because if you answer the questions McNiff asks, you will have gone a long way in terms of identifying your topic and planning your project.
Reference
McNiff, J. (September 2008). Planning, designing and doing action research. Action Research, Jean McNiff.
(Used with permission of the author)
Norwich University CGCS. (2019). Identifying Research Topics and Searchable Questions. NU.
Purdue.edu OWL. (n.d.). OWL: Purpose and audience: What is a White Paper? Purdue.edu OWL.
Assignment: Topic/Questions/Outcomes
Topic/Questions/Outcomes (100 points)
