book research

Your final research paper will focus on the social and/or environmental impacts of one specific energy topic of your choice. You can choose to research any particular topic we covered in class this semester from coal to the renewables. First, Choose a topic that you are most interested in and you want to learn more about. Once you have your favorite topic, choose one primary source of information from the list given on the 2nd page of this assignment prompt. Read your chosen primary source very carefully by taking notes on the key points made by the author, and the reasoning behind each. The first paragraph of your paper should start describing your primary source. Start by introducing the author from your own research on him/her. Was he/she well placed professionally to enter in this debate? What are his/her credentials in the field of energy? The second and third paragraphs should cover the pros and cons around this particular topic, starting with the main points made within your primary source, and your own research around these arguments. Example: In the PBS/Frontline documentary “Coal miners, two generations betting on Trump” the producer leads us to see first hand how the closure of the coal mines is affecting two specific individual lifes. In your 2nd paragraph you may search for similar reporting on other cities/counties affected. Are all Coal communities equally affected in the US? Your 3rd paragraph maybe dedicated to a success story regarding a specific city or community that has benefited economically from the Coal mine closure (yes, there are some!). In these two paragraphs you must rely on at least 8 secondary sources from your own research.The final paragraph - your conclusion - is expected to "wrap-up" your audience's mind on whether or not the primary source properly covered the topic of choice, and what your research has added to the story. Critical but constructive thinking will be assessed.