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Independently write a 5 page paper that uses academic evidence and data about Central America. You will utilize American Political Science Association (APSA) citation format for in-text references and for a final “Reference” page (this is a list of every source you consulted in the writing of your paper. This list appears at the end of the paper but is not included in the page count). Information on this citation style can be found at . Your primary data source should be the Latinobarometer survey, online analysis tool accessible here: – this page is accessible in English and Spanish and if you need translation assistance you may ask me and I will assist.

Your paper grade will be based on your overall research effort, position description, writing (grammar, spelling, language use), and analysis. The second paper will be compared to your first (tasks are the same) to benchmark for improvement based on feedback I provide on the first paper and the same for the third paper. Your work will be strongly critiqued. Each paper should build on the next meaning that you should identify a topic germane to one of the Central American countries that you can follow over the course of the three short papers. When your first paper is submitted and graded and you receive it back, you may use this paper topic as the foundation of your second paper. Each paper should build on and improve from the first paper. You are not permitted to use AI. Papers will be submitted through the Canvas TurnitIn system. I will be scanning for AI use and will assign grade penalties accordingly. Late assignments are penalized a letter grade for each day past the due date.

Topic Selection: As you consider your topic for the three papers you should consult the course reading material and the Latinobarometro survey library. It will do you no good to select a topic that Latinobarometer does not have survey questions about that you can use as your supporting evidence in your paper. Latinobarometer has been conducting surveys in Central America for a very long time and these surveys are extensive.

List of Ideas (you may use one of these or investigate something on your own – check with me if you have questions):

1. Causes of undocumented immigration to the United States from XX (select country).

2. Carbon emission reductions in Costa Rica.

3. Hurricane recovery in Central America.

4. The relationship with the United States (select country).

5. The role of CAFTA-DR in Central America.

6. Food insecurity in Central America.

7. Gangs and gang management in Central America.

8. Truth and reconciliation in Guatemala.

9. Daniel Ortega and his leadership of Nicaragua.

10. Human smuggling (Northern Triangle=Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador) causes,

consequences, costs, management.

11. Economic foundations of XX country (or countries) including the Panama canal in Panama.

Select topic number 9

Paper format instructions: The paper should be 5 pages, double spaced, 12-point font with page numbering. All ideas that are not your own that you have decided to use in supporting your argument must be cited. This means that in the body of your paper when you refer to an idea or directly quote material, an in-text citation must appear. At the end of the paper a separate list of all references used in writing the paper must appear. The citation format should follow the American Political Science Association citation guidelines as described here: