Guidelines and Topics for Research Paper-

Due on or before Monday December 14th, 2020

(To be submitted via email to Orlando.morales@brooklyn.cuny.edu)

The research paper is designed to help you analyze the topics and issues presented in the readings and class discussions and relate them to and analyze current events and issues.

You should choose recent newspaper/magazine article(s) relating to current events/issues (within the last two years) concerning Latin@s in the United States and build and formulate an analysis of the topics and issues raised in those current event articles by incorporating them with the topics and issues raised in the readings and class discussions. You may select a topic from the list provided or create your own topic (subject to Professor Morales’s approval prior to start). You should present and support all arguments to be made on an issue when formulating your analysis and you may utilize novels, movies, documentaries or your own life experiences to enhance your points and arguments. *Must attach a works cited page to your paper and ensure to cite anything that is not an original thought, Your paper should be a min. 5 pages – max. 7 pages (double spaced- 12 font), at least 5 sources.

This research paper is in lieu of your final examination and will require a strong effort.  Please ensure your research paper includes an introduction, body and conclusion and is organized properly into paragraphs and please conduct a spellcheck.

Example Topics

  • Latin@ images and portrayals in the media and cinema (stereotypes, typecasting)

-Negative, Positive?

  • What is the controversy over Bilingual Education?

-Present arguments on both sides of the issue.

  • Puerto Rico- Statehood? Commonwealth? Independence?

-one argument in favor of each choice and the negative aspects of each, another alternative?

  • Immigration laws in the U.S. and effect on Latin@s in the U.S./DREAM Act
  • Compare and contrast the Cuban populations of Miami and Cuba, Effect of Trade Embargo
  • Compare and Contrast the experiences of Two Latin@ Groups in the United States

(Mexicans, Cubans, Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, Central Americans and South Americans)

  • Importance of Religion in Latin@ communities (dynamics and changes)

– Role of the Catholic Church, historical and present-day

  • Rise of Latin@ population and political power (Impact on the 2008 Presidential Election)
  • Present day impact of U.S. economic exploitation and conquest of Latin America on Latin@s in the United States (specific countries or broadly), affect of NAFTA on Mexico and Latin@s in the United States.
  • Impact of Drugs/Narcotics Trade on Latin America and Latin@s in the United States

-the border issues with Mexico regarding drug cartels and trafficking

  • The appointment of Supreme Court Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor

-What was the controversy over the first Latina appointed to the United States Supreme Court?