Guidelines for writing Population Problems paper
Geography & Environmental Studies, Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago

A large part of your grade in this course (G&ES 362) is  the paper, which should be between 5-10 pages in length, not including references and materials from other sources (e.g., appendices, maps, figures, tables).  Quality counts much more than quantity, so adding "fluff"  to make the paper longer will actually lower your grade.

What topics are acceptable for this paper, and what kinds of topics are not?
Students may select a topic that complements their own area of interest as long as it clearly relates to population growth, decline, structure (e.g. age/gender, racial/ethnic) movement and/or distribution.  The topic should be focused and specific. Topics that are not allowable are those that are not clearly linked to population, those that are too big to handle in a short paper, or are so specific and obscure that you won't find anything written on it.

How do I make the topic or purpose of the paper clear to the reader?
The purpose of the paper will be reflected in the paper's title and early on, succinctly, in the paper itself.  Then, the entire paper should hinge on its purpose -- every section should contribute in some way to that end.  From the moment the reader begins there should be no doubt about the paper's purpose.

What suggestions can you make about the organizational structure of the paper?
Each topic is different, so you'll need to tailor these answers for your own situation.  To describe a typical situation, I'd recommend:

  1. The Introduction will establish the purpose of the paper
  2. Perhaps in the introduction or immediately afterward, describe the broad area of your work.  This is the "Breadth" portion., and it's often like a survey of related issues.  This portion of the paper establishes the context within which your particular focus is important.  It will answer that difficult question: "so what, why does this matter?"
  3. Shift more narrowly to the focus of your paper.  This is the "Depth" portion -- the specific topic which you explore in greater detail.
  4. The "Conclusion" section should not just reiterate what came before.  Use this section to synthesize your work and offer insights and observations that came from it.
Why do I need to establish the breadth? Isn't it beyond the scope of my paper?
The breadth establishes a larger set of issues which are related to your topic. Without breadth the reader often finishes an otherwise good paper wondering "OK, but so what? Now that I know that, why should I care? What difference does it make?" You might call the breadth a "conceptual framework."

If my paper is comparative in nature, how might I organize it?
Comparative studies are very common. After establishing the topic and "breadth" area, there are two common ways to go.

  1. Fully describe one case at a time, drawing out the salient themes.  Then conclude with the comparison -- not so much pointing out the similarities and differences, but observing the most important or fundamental ones and offering insights.  For example, you might compare Chinese and Indian population policies: first describe China's, then India's, then cut to the heart of the matter: what can we learn from these two? -- perhaps reflecting back on the issues raised in the "breadth" section.
  2. Identify the most important themes which cut across both (or all) cases, and then compare the cases within the context of each theme.  Using the example above: Growth and distribution: China vs. India; Cultural influences: China vs. India; Governmental policies: China vs. India; etc.  This is often more difficult than the case-by-case approach because it requires constant comparison.
What about references -- what kinds  of sources should I use?
Professional, juried journals are the best -- you'll find them on the Library's second floor and I would appreciate it if you would use at least one of these.  Reputable books (judged by author, publisher), are also good.  Governmental organizations are good (e.g. Census Bureau, EPA, Federal Register) Popular magazines and newspapers are not very convincing, with some exceptions (e.g., Economist, New York Times, Washington Post) but they may be the best place to establish the "word on the street" or to find very local information.  A personal interview is acceptable, so long as the credentials of the interviewee are established.  Industrial journals (e.g. Waste Haulers' Monthly, Fire Chief Magazine), or organizations with an agenda (e.g. National Rifle Association, Greenpeace) can be used but are often suspect; the organization's name should appear in the text (National Rifle Association 1998).  Internet sources are only as good as the organization publishing them.  You should cite at least a half dozen references.

To summarize usage, in the text, author's last name and year, plus page number for all direct quotes. Under a heading References (note, not bibliography) complete alphabetical citations,  will include authors' last name(s), first initials, year, title, publication, book editor (if an edited volume) volume number and page numbers of the entire article, sorted by first author's last name. Articles in the popular press, such as newsweek or Chicago Tribune, and organizational literature (e.g., U.S. census bureau) list the publication or organization where the author would otherwise be (Newsweek, 1997; U.S. Bureau of Census, 1999).

What must be cited?
There are three reasons to cite an author: (1) to show that these aren't your ideas or facts, but someone else's, and thus avoid liability, (2) to give credit where credit is due, and (3) to guide the reader to a good source for further reading on a topic. If you paraphrase someone else's observation or conclusion, you must cite anyway, for reasons #1 and #2. You don't have to cite what is common knowledge (but sometimes you might want to, for reason #3 -- depending on your readership).

I try not to, but what if I miss a citation -- will you consider it plagiarism and fail me?
No of course not. Correct citation is something you learn by doing.  On the other hand, if you turn in someone else's paper or large portions of it, claiming that it's yours, yes you will get a failing grade for the class.

How should I use direct quotes?
Use direct quotes if someone else said it so well it can't be put better.  Direct quotes can add punch, clarity, or support to your point.  They can also be used to underscore the source (e.g. a famous person quote), or emphasize that you didn't say that, he (or she) did!  Don't overrely on direct quotes; work the topic yourself.

If your quote is longer than four lines it should be single spaced and indented from both margins, and no quotation marks.  All direct quotes should have page numbers in the text, for example (Smith, 2002 p 7).

Must I include tables of contents, subheadings, tables, appendices, maps?
No.  If you do they don't count toward page length.

Do you expect reference to textbook, or to its content?
I expect you to be able to link your subject matter to issues raised in the text. Your paper should be "informed" by current ideas in population geography. Consider whether any of the theories are relevant to your paper. It shouldn't be the kind of thing you could write with no foundation in population geography or demography.

How do I cite a web page?
Both Citation Styles and Purdue University offer more detailed information about citing digital information, but you must include the entire URL, the author or publisher's name, Title of the Web page, and the date on which the page was retreived. These things (and I'll ask for a little annotated summary of the site), will appear in the references, alphabetically under the author/publisher's name. Work the author/creator's name and page title into the text as in "the Online Writing Lab's Documenting Electronic Sources says that ..."

What about the format for the paper?  Any little errors you might warn us of?
Yes, I have some preferences I would like you to know.

I know I could use some help writing better -- where should I go?
For relatively simple questions or clarification, you may come to me.  It's always a good idea to have friends read your papers to get a fresh perspective.  More useful would be a visit to the writing lab in CLS2046. The extension is 5480, and you'll be working with a professional writing staff member who is skilled in finding systemic problems, developing organizational structure, and helping you raise your work to higher professional standards.  You must make an appointment in advance for one or several 1/2 hour time slots between 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m. M-Th, and to 4:00 on Friday.

1999-2004 Erick Howenstine
Geography & Env. Studies -- Northeastern Illinois University