Assignment Question
Length Requirement: at least five sources, three of which must be scholarly (peer-reviewed) Writing Task: Use MLA style to make an annotated bibliography that lists and annotates sources for your final research paper. As you annotate, evaluate each source, and relate your sources to each other. For examples of annotated bibliographies, review the Introduction to Step Five: Research, “Formatting Your Annotated Bibliography.” In your annotated bibliography: Title your annotated bibliography so that both the social problem you are addressing and the solution you are proposing are clear to the reader. Include at least five sources. At least three of your sources must be peer reviewed or scholarly. Annotations should be 3-7 sentences (roughly 120-150 words) each. Use a valid file type for Turnitin (Microsoft Word, Acrobat PDF, Postscript, Text, HTML, WordPerfect (WPD) and Rich Text Format) For this annotated bibliography, as long as you have at least three scholarly sources, you may reuse sources from your Formal Essay: Define the Problem that you plan to use in Final Essay: Solve the Problem. You are not required to use every source in your annotated bibliography when you write your final paper. Do not copy the abstracts (summaries) that are sometimes given at the start of scholarly articles. The purpose of this exercise is for you to understand a source well enough to describe it in your own words. This week, you will take another step toward focusing your final research paper. The Step 5 Lecture will break down the research process for you and give you detailed guidance for your next formal assignment, the Developing Sources: Annotated Bibliography. In our discussion, you will collaborate with your classmates as you share peer-reviewed articles you have found and support each other in summarizing and evaluating these sources. The Go Further assignment this week gives you practice in assessing your own writing. Reading Assignments: At least three peer-reviewed (scholarly) articles about your topic. General Writing > Academic Writing > Establishing Arguments section of the Purdue OWL. Over the course of this term, you will write a research paper that brings you into the expert conversation about a social problem. This course breaks down that writing process into smaller steps, but here is a quick overview of what you will do in the next eight weeks: First, choose one of the three social problems introduced below. Then, further narrow your focus to a key cause of that problem. The cause you state in the thesis of your Define the Problem formal essay will connect to the solution you suggest in your Solve the Problem final essay. The first half of your final essay will be a revision of your earlier formal essay. As you research solutions for the problem you have chosen, consider local organizations, proposed legislation, public awareness campaigns, scientific innovation, or any other idea you may find in the research you compile for your Annotated Bibliography. Finally, focus on the one solution that you believe would have the biggest impact on the problem. In other words, propose the single best—or the best single—solution to your social problem. State it as the thesis of your final research paper. When reading about your topic, don’t expect yourself to remember important details. Take notes on the articles I share (below) and the ones you find later. Here’s a good introduction to annotation. Click on each topic to read each introduction. The three topic choices show up as tabs on a computer. Homelessness Food Waste Artificial Intelligence What causes homelessness? The social problem of homelessness is a growing concern in the United States. The most significant study of the problem since the early 1990’s—the California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness, or CASPEH—was released in the summer of 2023. Here is a Vox news story that summarizes the report’s findings. For this topic, your first step will be to choose one of the following categories of homelessness: Economic hardship Mental illness Veteran neglect Bias and discrimination (homophobia, racism, ableism, etc.) SMC weighs in: This recent CBS news report, which features SMC president Katherine Jeffery, addresses how college students are among those affected by this social problem. This LA Times Op-Ed: Voices from the homeless community along Venice Boulevard profiles two people who are experiencing homelessness and was written by my fellow English professor, Robert Karron. He wrote five more pieces like this for the LA Times, and I encourage you to look them up. The SMC Library has an online subscription through U.S. Newsstream. If you focus on homelessness, a possible solution could be to support a local nonprofit organization called Chrysalis. Why is so much food wasted? trash can full of food The social problem of food waste is a growing concern in the United States. Read this National Geographic article that offers an introduction to the problem: “Most people waste more food than they think—here’s how to fix it.” For this topic, your first step will be to choose one food category of food waste to research. Varieties of categories include the following: Production Retail Consumers Restaurants If you focus on food waste, you could research California Senate Bill 1383 to see if this is a model of an effective government solution. This bill is aimed at reducing both food waste and food insecurity.
Answer
Introduction
This annotated bibliography delves into the pressing social problem of homelessness in the United States and explores potential solutions to mitigate its impact. Homelessness has become a critical issue affecting a wide range of individuals and communities. This bibliography includes sources that illuminate the causes and consequences of homelessness, with a focus on economic hardship, mental illness, veteran neglect, and bias and discrimination. It also highlights potential remedies and interventions, offering a comprehensive overview of the topic to inform the development of a final research paper that will propose a viable solution to homelessness.
The California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness (CASPEH, 2023)
The California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness (CASPEH) stands as a pivotal study, providing the most recent and significant analysis of homelessness in California. Released in the summer of 2023, CASPEH presents a wealth of up-to-date statistics and insights into the various factors contributing to homelessness. These factors include economic hardship, mental illness, veteran neglect, and bias and discrimination. The report’s findings are both comprehensive and enlightening, making it a crucial source for understanding the scale and complexity of the homelessness problem in California.
The CASPEH report serves as a cornerstone in any research concerning homelessness. Its statistics and data are invaluable in quantifying the scope of the issue and in identifying trends and patterns. However, it is essential to recognize that while the CASPEH report provides a robust overview, it may not delve deeply into the personal experiences and narratives of homeless individuals. This gap in perspective is where other sources, such as personal accounts and news articles, come into play.
“College Students and Homelessness: A CBS News Report” (2023)
This CBS news report featuring Santa Monica College (SMC) President Katherine Jeffery addresses a specific aspect of the homelessness issue—the impact on college students. The report highlights the surprising prevalence of homelessness among college students and the challenges they face in pursuing higher education while lacking stable housing. By focusing on this unique demographic, it underscores the relevance of homelessness within the education system and suggests a need for tailored solutions.
The inclusion of this source in the annotated bibliography is significant because it demonstrates that homelessness is not limited to a specific age group or socioeconomic class. Instead, it permeates various aspects of society, including higher education. Researchers can use this source to emphasize the importance of addressing homelessness as a multifaceted issue that affects individuals at different life stages and in diverse circumstances.
“Voices from the Homeless Community along Venice Boulevard” by Robert Karron (2023)
Written by Robert Karron, a fellow English professor, this LA Times Op-Ed provides a human perspective on homelessness by profiling individuals experiencing homelessness along Venice Boulevard. This series of articles features firsthand accounts and narratives, allowing readers to connect with the personal stories of those affected by homelessness. Karron’s work humanizes the issue and underscores the importance of understanding the lived experiences of homeless individuals.
The power of personal narratives cannot be underestimated in addressing homelessness. While scholarly research and statistical data provide essential context, personal accounts like those presented by Karron offer a profound insight into the emotional and psychological toll of homelessness. Researchers can use these narratives to build empathy and foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by homeless individuals.
U.S. Newsstream (SMC Library Subscription)
U.S. Newsstream, available through the Santa Monica College (SMC) Library subscription, is a valuable resource for accessing a wide range of news articles and reports related to homelessness. This digital repository offers diverse perspectives and extensive coverage of current events and developments related to the issue. Researchers can explore various facets of homelessness, from local initiatives to national policies, through this subscription service.
The inclusion of U.S. Newsstream in this bibliography acknowledges the importance of staying up-to-date with ongoing developments in the fight against homelessness. Homelessness is not a static problem, and new policies, initiatives, and community efforts are constantly emerging. Researchers can use this resource to track the latest advancements and adapt their proposed solutions accordingly.
Chrysalis: A Local Nonprofit for Homelessness Support
While not a scholarly source, Chrysalis is a noteworthy local nonprofit organization that addresses homelessness in Los Angeles. Chrysalis focuses on providing job training and employment opportunities for homeless individuals, aiming to break the cycle of homelessness through economic empowerment. Investigating the work of Chrysalis can yield valuable insights into effective local interventions and solutions.
Chrysalis exemplifies the importance of community-based approaches to homelessness. Local organizations often have a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by their communities and can tailor their programs accordingly. While the organization’s impact may not be quantified in scholarly research, it serves as a practical example of how grassroots efforts can make a difference in the lives of homeless individuals.
Conclusion
This annotated bibliography has provided a comprehensive overview of the social problem of homelessness in the United States and potential solutions to address it. The sources included in this bibliography encompass a wide range of perspectives, from scholarly research to personal narratives and local initiatives. By examining the causes and consequences of homelessness and considering diverse solutions, researchers can gain a holistic understanding of this complex issue.
The final research paper that will emerge from this bibliography will propose a single, impactful solution to address homelessness. In doing so, it will draw upon the insights and knowledge gathered from these sources to formulate a well-informed and practical approach to combatting homelessness. As researchers delve further into this critical social problem, they must continue to explore, analyze, and advocate for effective solutions that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of homeless individuals and communities across the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the CASPEH study, and why is it significant in understanding homelessness?
The CASPEH study stands for the California Statewide Study of People Experiencing Homelessness. It is a comprehensive research initiative that provides the most recent and significant analysis of homelessness in California. The study offers crucial statistics and insights into various factors contributing to homelessness, making it a significant resource for understanding the scope and complexity of the homelessness problem in the state.
How does homelessness affect college students, as highlighted in the CBS News report?
The CBS News report sheds light on the impact of homelessness on college students. It underscores that homelessness is not limited to specific demographics and reveals surprising statistics about college students experiencing homelessness. This source emphasizes the relevance of addressing homelessness within the education system and suggests the need for tailored solutions to support these students.
Why is personal narrative important in understanding homelessness, as shown in Robert Karron’s LA Times articles?
Robert Karron’s LA Times Op-Ed articles provide personal narratives of individuals experiencing homelessness along Venice Boulevard. Personal narratives are crucial because they humanize the issue and help readers connect with the lived experiences of homeless individuals. These stories offer profound insights into the emotional and psychological toll of homelessness, fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by homeless individuals.
How can I access news articles and reports related to homelessness through U.S. Newsstream?
U.S. Newsstream is available through the Santa Monica College (SMC) Library subscription. To access news articles and reports related to homelessness, you can use the library’s online resources and search for relevant topics and keywords. U.S. Newsstream provides a wide range of news articles and reports that cover current events and developments related to homelessness.
