Essay Instructions: Research Paper Instructions
Requested by: Paul Laraque
(360) 698-4640 or (360) 265-4343, email:
Deadline:
I need the paper NOT LATER THAN Saturday, 9 October 2004.
Background: The intent of the paper is to focus on a developing country (Syria) located in a key hot bed. How Syria has developed, and how it continues to develop and interact with other countries throughout the world.
Another reason is because the future will be strongly impacted by events in these regions. Example: How did something like the events of September 11, 2001 occur and where do we go from here- It's also predicted that the Middle East area is almost certainly going to have regional conflict over water rights.
Focus must be portraying the paper as if I were the Syrian Ambassador to the United Nations.
The following are the procedures and guidelines for the paper:
1. Single or one-and-a-half spaced, font size no bigger than 12, and margins no larger than 1.5" at the top and 1" at the sides and bottom. Bibliography of no less than 15 sources, 7 of which may be websites or online information. Citations to be in correct MLA citation style.
2. The following criteria and assumptions apply:
a. Explain the background of your country and explains how you were selected to be an Ambassador for your country.
b. It should be written in the first person (e.g. I was born...) as if I were born in 1930. I have been taught the history of my country and family by my parents and at school. I am writing an autobiography of my life. I am now an Ambassador to the United Nations representing Syria.
c. Starting point for the paper is to go back to before I was born-- 1890. The following should be described:
- What was Syria like then?
- What were the driving forces of Syrian culture?
- What was the Syrian political system, the governmental system, and the market system?
- What would my parents' life be like then (e.g. Their domestic environment-)
- Were there factions that represented very opposing views? If so, did those views lead to war or to open hostilities?
- Was the conflict resolved or did it burn hotly throughout your parents' lives-
- How did they deal with it? Were they in fear for their lives or were they on the 'winning' side that was in control?
- Once born - (1890), what was my life like then?
- What changes did I experience?
- Did you experience the same environment that your parents did or had the situation changed radically between their time and yours?
- If there had been conflict during my parents' time, were my parents on the winning or losing side, and how did that affect me?
- Was I adequately provided for or did my family endure financial difficulties-
- What were the major influences that did change my culture and that continued to do so?
- How was my life impacted by other countries?
- Were other countries helpful to Syria, were they aggressor states, or did they essentially leave Syria to its own devices?
- How did I manage to gain the educational experience and background that allowed you to become the Ambassador of Syria to the United Nations?
- I didn't simply go to college and then lo and behold become ambassador. Tell how I rose to power.
- Did I inherit title, position or wealth from your parents, or did I become a reform leader for your country? Or, much like Lech Walesa of Poland, did the common people essentially press me into public service, thinking that I was the best person for the job?
- What is my vision of the future of Syria? How might I see its development in terms of politics, market economy, interaction in the global community, and anything else that may be relevant?
- Feel free to add other criteria to help support or refute assertations.
1. The essay MUST include a bibliography/webliography with my outline and final paper with information supporting the research Works cited must be included. Since the paper is about a country I am not from, utilize sources extensively to portray that country accurately and to draw conclusions correctly.
2. Paper must be ten pages long, either single spaced or space and a half (NO double spacing), font size no larger than 12, and done in MS Word. Margins should be no larger than 1.5" at the top and 1" at the sides and bottom. Paper should reflect upper-level quality.
Reminder Please:
- Paper must be in Correct MLA citation style. The following outline (next 2 pages) reflects what I have developed so far. The paper should be blended to meet both the outline below and 'procedures and guidelines' listed above. Please be aware of not using too much material from any one source. Thank you!
Outline
Paper should be written in first person (as if you were me) 'Paul Laraque'.
Paul Laraque - Syrian Ambassador to the United Nations
A Brief History of Syria
A brief history of Syria will identify the reader with the country and help to associate its historical significance in the world. From Syria's earliest years to modern day, you will experience Syria's rich heritage, and hopefully develop an appreciation for recognizing Syria's place in history and the world today.
Key Statistical Data
To better associate you with my country, you might benefit by understanding key statistical data. To better envision Syria, it helps to understand the geography, climate, population, economic and cultural facts.
Syrian Culture, Political and Economic Infrastructure
Syria is steeped with a long and rich cultural, traditional and religious history. The Syrian political system and its government are undoubtedly key component to its survival. You will hopefully gain a better understanding of how Syria has evolved in the Middle East as well as in the world political arena.
Syria's economic system is paramount to its survival. From its earliest years the present, the economic "engine" of Syria relies on its ability to sustain domestic growth while competing in the world marketplace.
Personal, Family and Educational Background
My appointment as the Syrian Ambassador to the United Nations may best be portrayed by understanding my background. You can discover much about whom I am by understanding where I have been. From my birth to the United Nations, I will provide you with an opportunity to get to know me as well as my family.
Syria's Role in the Middle East and the World
Amidst a continuously morphing Middle East, Syria has had its share of struggle, strife and turmoil. It is important to realize how Syria's role in the Middle East affects the rest of the surrounding countries. By virtue its geographic and cultural connection to the Mid-Eastern sphere of influence there is a tremendous sense of national pride that plays a critical role in its 'will to survive'.
Syria and the United Nations
"Syria has been an original Member of the United Nations from 24 October 1945. Following a plebiscite on 21 February 1958, the United Arab Republic was established by a union of Egypt and Syria and continued as a single Member. On 13 October 1961, Syria, having resumed its status as an independent State, resumed its separate membership in the United Nations." (Source: http://www.un.org/Overview/unmember.html)
The Future of Syria
Through its continuing desire for stability and peace, Syria recognizes and embraces its responsibilities to the world by fostering a relationship with the outside world. While it's sometimes difficult history is characterized and shaped by struggle, Syria wishes to see a future that will embrace peace in the region along with prosperity and hope for her people. Through it's long-standing membership in the United Nations, Syria maintains its commitment to the world and for a peaceful existence.
Current Works Cited
Note: Can be moderately modified as appropriate.
1. Syria. 2004, CIA - The World Factbook - Syria, 14 Sep 2004.
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/sy.html
2. Background. 2003, CIA - The World Factbook - Somalia, 04 Jan 24. http://www.syria-.com/
3. Ministry of Tourism. Syria, 20 Sep 2004
http://www.syriatourism.org/new/
4. Syria - Section History. Encyclopdia.com, 20 Sep 2004
http://www.encyclopedia.com/html/section/syria_history.asp
5. Anzinger, Gunnar. Governments on the WWW: Syria, 20 Apr 2002
http://www.gksoft.com/govt/en/sy.html
6. Syria Gate. All About Syria: Nation and State in the Horn of Africa. http://www.syriagate.com/Syria/about/general/history.htm
6. United Nations - Its Your World., 20 Sep 2004
http://www.un.org/
