Research Paper Guidelines
Green Discipleship: Research Paper Guidelines
There are three major components to this paper, each of which must be completed for the paper
to receive credit. The first section will be an analytical section. In this section you will
describe and analyze the environmental problem that you are looking at. The second section
will be an engagement with the religious and moral tradition and what it has to offer with
regard to understanding and responding to the problem. The third section will lay out a strategic
plan for addressing the problem in a meaningful way. These pieces are to be integrated into a
unified final paper. The paper should be about 10-12 pages: typed, double-spaced, 12 point
font, Times New Roman, 1 inch margins. A works consulted page should be included, and you
must use a variety of standard academic resources. See the Appendix in our text (page 431-438)
for some practical tips for researching.
The due dates for each part are so that I have an opportunity to give you some feedback on each
section. You may submit a complete draft for each section, or simply a detailed outline (even if
simply a list of researchable questions). The grade will be assigned to the final paper, but the
more complete of a draft you provide, the more helpful the feedback you are likely to receive.
There is an Assignments link in Blackboard where you should submit your papers.
July 6: RP Assignment One: Description and Analysis
In this you want to describe the environmental problem that you are looking at. Research
directed toward analyzing the problem from a variety of perspectives. Develop a list of initial
questions that you want to see answered as you begin your research. As you do so make sure to
list any additional questions that arise and explore these as well. Maintain an annotated
bibliography as you do your research.
What is the scope of the problem? What are its social, economic, political, and cultural
dimensions? What might be possible ways to address it? What factors need to be addressed in
order to bring about a just transformation? “Why is this happening?” should be a guiding
question. Another would be: “who benefits from the status quo?”
July 13: RP Assignment Two: Engagement with the Religious and Moral Tradition
In this section you will formulate what you believe are the aspects of justice (and just responses)
that need to be considered under your topic. What resources can you bring from the Christian
religious tradition (perhaps in dialogue with other traditions)? In what ways might the biblical
writings help you address this issue? What principles of Catholic Social Teaching might apply?
How might these ideas challenge one to think differently about the issue? About what is
considered a priority? Does the religious witness challenge our assumptions in any way? This
section should culminate in a social justice statement of why, from the perspective of justice, it is
necessary to address this concern.
July 20: RP Assignment Three: Strategic Plan
Develop an action plan for addressing this issue in some meaningful way. What concrete,
specific actions can you do as a result of what you have learned? This could include your Vision
(for what are you working), your Goals (the specific outcome/s you plan to achieve to move
closer to your vision), your Strategy (what you believe you and any groups you might work with
will need to accomplish in the process of getting to your goals) , and your Tactics (how you will
implement your strategies, including what particular role/s you will carry in order to get there).
See below: “Action Roles for Social Transformation”.
July 27, 2016: RP: Final Paper
Research Paper presenting a unified presentation of the preceding material along with your
works cited/consulted page. This means you will likely need to rework the material a bit in
order to give it unity and coherence.
Possible Topics: You are not limited to these, but check with me if choosing another topic.
Examine the environmental impacts of our food systems
The World Water Crisis
The effects of War on the Environment
Environmental Impact of Mining or energy extraction
Rainforest Deforestation
Global Fisheries Depletion
Environmental issues tied to energy use
Action Roles for Social Transformation
1) Study and teaching from the perspective of the least, the lost, and the left out (whose voices
are missing?)
2) Building the new value system
3) Choosing our lifestyles in light of what a just and sustainable world requires
4) Initiating and nurturing alternatives to present structures
5) Transform existing infrastructures from within
6) Strategizing and organizing political action for change
7) Standing in opposition to all that goes in the wrong direction
8) Living out of an integrated Kingdom/Kindom spirituality