ENGL 128 Research Writing: Science, Engineering and Business (Weller)

This guide is for students in Dan Weller's English 128

Identifying an issue

Finding a Topic

Your 128 Research Paper requires you to investigate a current issue on the Green River College Campus. 

  • Choose a problem related to your area of study. Your paper should reflect your own area of knowledge.
  • Take some time to explore what is happening on our campus. You will find many interesting areas for your research!
     

Listed below are just a few possible starting ideas. Use the links on this page to find something that matters to you. Remember, these are topic areas in need of a problem. For example, for the first topic below, I might look at the drop in student enrollment rates and research how GRC could market itself better. 

Business
  • The business and marketing side of student recruitment and retention
  • The new GRC website- user experience
  • Facilities and new buildings on campus
  • The Strategic Plan
  • The GRC Foundation: Scholarships, Financial Aid, Emergency Aid
  • Emergency preparedness
  • GRC BAS programs in business fields
  • Job opportunities/ Career and Advising
IT/Technology/Engineering
  • The new GRC website
  • Campus network security
  • Parking/ Transportation management
  • Tech support for students on campus
  • Technology in the classroom 
  • Emergency preparedness
  • Access to GRC IT programs
  • GRC BAS programs in IT/Tech/Engineering fields
  • Campus signage/ navigating the GRC campus
Science
  • GRC Honeybees project
  • Trail maintenance
  • Forest preservation and maintenance
  • Recycling/waste on campus
  • Energy consumption on campus
  • Emergency preparedness
  • GRC grounds maintenance and native vegetation
All Students
  • The cost of textbooks and OER Resources
  • The cafe - hours and nutrition
  • Access to required courses 

Not sure where to start?

Getting Started

Give yourself time to explore what's happening on your campus before settling on a research topic. 
Note:

  • Keep an open mind and ask questions.
  • A problem does not need to be a controversy. A problem may just be an issue the college is working on for future planning or improvement. 

Use the same sources you will use to do primary research to explore your topic options.

Allow your topic to develop and shift focus as you dive into the research!

Research Worksheets