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M.E.R.P. The Middle East Research Project

General Information

Major Due Dates:

• RAD Form due dates: SEE the MERP Research Due Dates on Google Docs or the Daily Plan handout. Usually, your RAD forms will be due during class the day they are due.
• Research Packet (all RAD forms, Research Plan and Rubric) due Friday, Dec. 16th.
• Final Paper and Bibliography - TBA (after Winter Break)

Step 1: Research

Overview:

• You will complete a minimum of 5 RAD forms from separate sources. You may complete up to 7 RAD forms.
• RAD form due dates vary by class. See the Daily Plan handout for your specific due dates.

Research Expectations:

You will use high quality, trustworthy, expert resources and will take detailed, comprehensive notes.

• You will be given a research packet including a research plan worksheet, grading rubric and RAD forms. You will be required to keep your plan updated and to bring your packet to class daily.
• A portion of your grade will depend on your selection of resources. If you aren't sure whether something can be trusted or is from an expert, ASK!
• Bias can be a major problem when researching controversial topics. Learn how to identify bias in a source.
• Remember that notes should be in your own words. To avoid problems with note taking:
  • don't write notes in complete sentences, instead use bullet points, short phrases, facts and ideas.
  • don't take notes sentence by sentence, instead read "chunks" and then summarize what you believe are the main points in your notes. You can always look back quickly to make sure dates and other specific pieces of information are correct.

Suggestions for Research:

• At least 2 of your R.A.D. forms should focus on the history of your country. Look for comprehensive sources that give you a good overview of the major historical events.
• Work from the "big picture" down to the smaller details. Use your research plan sheet to make sure you've covered the major areas required and to generate narrower, more specific questions as you move through your research.

These resources are of high quality, trustworthy and from experts! (hint, hint)

Print encyclopedias and books from the library! Quite a few are on the table in the computer lab, but there are many more in the MS and US library. Search the library catalog, or ask Ms. Harris to help you find what you need.

NOTE: It is a VERY good idea to use the following resources first:

History in Context: World database. NOTE: The reference items contain good historical overviews. Some of our print reference books can also be found here. Be careful that you don't take notes from the same source twice.

The New York Times: The Middle East This is a SUPER FANTASTIC source. Check for your country page on the drop-down list to the right. Each country page contains current events articles and links to recommended sources beyond the NY times. Special Note: the NY Times only allows you to view 20 articles/month for free. If you get a message telling you that you have reached your 20 articles, please see Ms. Harris for a log-in and password.

Other resources from experts:

• Opposing Viewpoints in Context database: You will be required to state and explain an opinion on your topic. This database will be helpful to you in gathering information as well as providing examples of opinion essays.

• eLibrary database of newspaper and magazine articles, interview transcripts and more.

• The CIA World Facbook now includes a section on World Leaders

• Country Studies at the Library of Congress includes information about many countries of the world.

• BBC World News: The Middle East

• Israeli-Palestinian Conflict from ProCon.org. There is a TON of great stuff here.

• Water in the Middle East from Columbia University

• Women in the Middle East from Columbia University

• Oil and the Middle East from the Brookings Institute

• Interent Research Guides from the Middle East Institute at Columbia University.

• The US Department of State website includes information about US policies on issues relating to the Middle East.

• Just Added:

If you find an excellent source that isn't on this list, let Ms. Harris know and it can be added so that others can use it as well. :)

Note: You can limit a Google search to a particular type of site by starting your keyword search with the term - site:gov (or site:org, site:edu, etc). Although you can't always trust every result, it will decrease the number of sites you find to those that might be more helpful (such as sites from libraries and schools)

BEWARE of the sites below. They frequently show up near the top of search results but are not good choices (for different reasons). If you have a question about one of the sites, please check in with Ms. Harris:

• globalissues.org
• Wikipedia
• Associated Content
• globalsecurity.org
• about.com

Step 2: Write your paper (and the bibliography)

Bibliography Instructions and Sample Bibliography