To prepare for this assignment, you will first be expected to choose a topic of interest from your text that is included in the Topic Links file of the Writing Studio. You will then research this topic in order to a find a problem that is related to it. Write an essay that clearly defines and analyzes this problem.

Your essay must have a focused thesis that argues why this particular problem is the most urgent problem related to your topic.  It must advance specific claims regarding the effects of this problem, the people, governments, or organizations involved in it, and a primary cultural, economic, political, or social precursor that has shaped the problem.  This precursor can be any historical event or development. You will need to begin thinking about future assignments in order to identify now the research questions that you will need to ask and the information that you will need to collect. For each source that you choose, you also should be able to explain your reasons for its selection.  You will want to ask yourself questions about the author's credibility and authority, as well as the helpfulness of the source in answering your research questions, for instance.  Finally, you will want to begin looking at various proposals, pending laws, and/or suggestions for change from the people and groups who are authorities on your subject.

You will use this essay as a first draft of your Historical Analysis essay, so clearly defining the problem and understanding some of its historical background and implications are vital to the development of both this essay assignment and the next.

LARC 39C workshops for this assignment will help you (1) choose a topic, (2) define and analyze a significant problem, (3) select appropriate research sources, and (4) understand and write about cause and effect relationships.