Description
develop and submit a draft of the first chapter of your capstone paper, Chapter 1: Introduction.
This should be a draft only. Later in the course, you will finalize this particular chapter as part of your work in Module 6.
Organize your draft according to the outline below. In at least one solid paragraph for each subheading, prepare the following, using these headings:
Introduction to the Chapter
Reveal your topic, state the gap in knowledge or the problem that you are researching and investigating, and tell the reader what to expect.
Background of the Topic
Relate only to Homeland Security factors not personal factors. Cited literature should be included.
Problem Statement
Identify the gap in knowledge or problem. Ask the major question you are going to answer through your capstone project. Ask the sub questions you are going to use to answer the major question. (You should have three or four sub questions.) The data from these sub questions will be used to answer the major question.
Professional Significance of Your Work
Respond to the internal question: Why did I bother to produce this particular project? Be specific.
Overview of Methodology
How do you expect to proceed in order to answer your sub questions? These sub questions answer the major question for you.
Note: If you are thinking about using surveys or questionnaires, check first with your mentor. Only 10% return is typical and the time it takes to devise such instruments combined with the amount of time it will take to receive them back and analyze the results might not give you enough time to complete your project by the end of the semester.
Delimitations
What are the boundaries of your project?
Definition of Terms
Consider your audience; the readers may not know what you mean by the terms you use. They may be technical terms or ordinary words used in a specialized way. Do not use dictionary definitions. These terms are particular to your project. Explain them accordingly in bullet format.
Summary
All the chapters in your paper, including your introduction, must have a concluding paragraph that serves as a summary. Do not add any new ideas or information to the summary.
This is my question and sub questions. Can be tweaked as needed
Major Question:Should Mexican Drug Cartels be Considered Terrorists?
Sub Questions:
Operational Characteristics: What are the operational characteristics of Mexican drug cartels, and how do they compare to traditional terrorist organizations?
Violence and Intimidation: To what extent do Mexican drug cartels engage in violence and intimidation tactics, and how does this align with the criteria for terrorism?
Political Agenda: Do Mexican drug cartels have a discernible political agenda, and if so, how does it contribute to the argument of categorizing them as terrorists?
International Implications: What are the international implications of designating Mexican drug cartels as terrorists, and how might it affect international cooperation in combating organized crime?
