Retirement Research Paper Instructions

Total 100 points.  First - Using current research and information from professional publications (you may use the articles reviewed for this class as sources), discuss retirement trends and issues including demographic, economic, and housing issues, health, changes in retirement policy at state and federal levels, and any other issue effecting retirement. Second - select a retirement program, either public or private, and provide background information on the program selected. Examples may include Social Security, private pension plans, Ohio Public Employees Retirement System, (OPERS), State Teachers Retirement System, (STRS), Individual Retirement Accounts, (IRA), etc. Point out the advantages and disadvantages of the program you select, discuss any recent program changes and the reasons for same, if known. Finally, discuss how the program you select may effect your decision as to when to retire and whether it may be necessary to supplement your income in order to do so. A short class presentation in the form of a group discussion of the paper will be required. The research paper should be kept to approximately ten (15) typewritten double spaced pages with at least ten (10) professional sources,
Your work to be a polished piece and should include:
    - An Outline (write this after getting your sources in order).
    - An Introduction (write this section last)
    - The Main Body (containing comparisons and contrasts, or showing growth in the research area).
            This is where you cite your sources in the text.
    - A Conclusion (in which you evaluate your resources as a whole)     
    - A References Section Undergraduates have a minimum length of 15 pages with 10 references.

Graduate students should speak to me individually about their projects. Generally Graduate Students have a 20 page minimum with 20 references. Papers should be carefully written to make a point, be double spaced, typewritten. The grading criteria for term papers are attached at the end of this guide.

Suggested journals from which to select articles: Professional publications are academic research journals found in the library and through the library's electronic journal portal. Websites outside these parameters are not to be used for any assignments. Some examples of academic/research journals are: American Sociological Review,  International Journal of Aging and Human Development, Aging,  Gerontologist,Journal of Aging and Social Policy, Journal of Aging Studies, Journal of Applied Gerontology, Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences, Journal of Family Issues, Journal of Women and Aging, Journal of Marriage and Family, Psychology &Aging, Social Problems, Social Science Quarterly, Journal of Health and Social Behavior, to name just a few.

Term Paper Grading Sheet: Attach this to the back of your term paper.

References are important! Use of course readings is also imperative!  Additional points will be given for each outside reference used    (the use of 10/20 outside references is MINIMUM for this paper).

Term papers will be graded for: Minimum  Points Earned Maximum

outline attached   			5 points ________   5 points
organization       			5 points ________  10 points
content (all outline points addressed) 35 points ________  50 points (more than minimum)
  Undergrads 15 pages Grads 20 pages                             
references                             10 points ________  20 points (more than minimum)
  Undergrads 10 minimum Grads 20 minimum
creativity                              5 points ________  10 points 
grammar                                 0 points ________   5 points 
					over 3 errors       0 errors
Grade:                       _____D__  60 Minimum    ____ 100 Maximum

Grade:__________   60 minimum ________ 100 max.

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