Orient the reader. Explain relevant background information and demonstrate your basic command of the subject gained through reconnaissance and early research. (Reference) important terms, events, statistics, landmark studies, books, or relevant biographical information. Be sure to (source) your information. If applicable, describe the historical context of your topic and any points of discussion that can narrow the topic down. If there is already a scholarly, popular, cultural, or ethical debate about your topic, present it with (sourced) data.
II Research Question and Related Sub-Questions
Ask a speculative question that stems from your background findings. You question(s) should not be immediately answerable. They should require original investigation. Your question(s) should also lead to analysis rather than summary [Ex: Which political leaders have used violence as a way to maintain their power? Answer: Book Report! Such information belongs in “Background and Introduction.”]
III: Case Material:
This is generally non-scholarly. Simply indicate some examples: people, organizations, historical figures, cultural referents, current events, etc., that you will analyze. Be as specific as you can. Think in terms of 3 center piece examples for a 10-12 page paper; conversely you might work with 1 or 2 center piece examples viewed through a variety theoretical frameworks.
