SOC249H1S – Research Essay
Due: March 24th by 11:59PM

You have two options for this assignment. This research essay will be a maximum of 1500 words
double-spaced pages in length (excluding bibliography).

Please Note: The research essay should feature a Canada-based migration issue and Canada-
based organization, social movement or network. You are NOT permitted to select the same
migration-related issue you chose for your policy brief assignment.

You are to choose one of the below:

Option 1: Choose three recent news articles published within the last six months about a
migration issue. Ensure that all three articles discuss the same migration issue. You will connect
these articles to at least two scholarly sources (you are free to draw on more scholarly sources).

This will help you examine current migration issues from both practical (news) and theoretical
(scholarly) perspectives.
• The news articles selected should come from reputable, Canadian news sources.
• Scholarly sources can include: peer-reviewed journal articles, books/chapters, reports
from institutions like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or
International Organization for Migration (IOM).

Analysis and Connection: After gathering the articles and scholarly sources, write an analysis
that incorporates the news and scholarly sources you’ve selected. In your analysis, some
questions you can address include (BUT NOT LIMITED TO):
• Identify the main migration issue
• Summary of the main points of the news articles
• Link the article to scholarly research: How do the scholarly sources you’ve found help
explain or provide a deeper perspective on the issue in the news article? For example:
o Do the scholars agree with the position taken by the news article?
o Do they offer a different perspective or additional insights?
• Discuss the implications: What do the news article and scholarly sources suggest about the
future of migration? How can this issue be addressed?

Option 2: Select an issue in migration and write a critical research essay exploring a clearly
articulated stance on that issue. Then, you will profile an organization, social movement, or
network that is working to create change in your chosen issue.
• In your research essay, you must take a clear stance on the issue you’ve chosen. This means
you should, clearly state your position: what is your argument or perspective on this
migration issue. Are you advocating for a policy change, highlighting a particular problem, or
offering a solution?
• Support your stance with evidence: Your essay should include academic research, data, case
studies, or expert opinions that support your argument.
• Address counterarguments: Consider different perspectives on the issue and explain why
your stance is more valid or preferable based on your research.
Research and Gather Scholarly Sources: Use credible sources to support your argument,
including: Scholarly sources can include: peer-reviewed journal articles, books/chapters,
reports from institutions like the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
(UNHCR) or International Organization for Migration (IOM).
• Profile an Organization, Social Movement, or Network that is working to address the issue.
When profiling the organization or social movement, include important information for the
reader:
o Provide background information: What is the mission and history of the
organization or movement?
o Describe their goals and strategies: How does the organization or movement work to
address the migration issue you’ve selected? What are their tactics and initiatives?
o Assess their impact: What have they achieved so far? Are there measurable results, or
do they face obstacles? Discuss any successes or failures they have encountered in
working towards change.
o Connect the organization’s work to your argument: How does this organization’s
work support or align with the stance you’ve taken in your essay? What are their
contributions to solving the migration issue you’ve discussed?
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Assignment Format:
Use 12-pt Calibri or Times New Roman font. Please do not manipulate margins. The structure
should be academic essay. DO NOT exceed 1500 words. Include the total word count at the top of
your assignment. You will have points deducted for essays that are more/less than 100 words
over/under the word count.
The structure of this assignment should follow a clear and logical structure (i.e. should include
introduction, body, conclusion, etc.).
Works Cited:
Please include a works cited page. Note: your works cited list will not count towards your total word
count limit. The sources you cite should be carefully selected and guide the essay. Please use APA or
ASA citation style ONLY. Please refer to
https://guides.library.utoronto.ca/c.php?g=251103&p=5248740 for more assistance.
Remember to cite all your sources correctly to avoid plagiarism. If you're unsure whether you are
citing correctly, please feel free to visit the University of Toronto libraries for further assistance.
Submission Instructions:

Please submit your policy brief via Quercus by midnight on the due date to avoid any late
penalties.

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