Final Paper: Research Project and Policy Proposal

Final Assignment: Research Project & Policy Proposal

Course Title: Global Issues in Human Trafficking

Assignment Title: Addressing Human Trafficking: A Country Case Study and Policy Proposal

Due Date: March 1, 2026

Weight: 50 % of final grade

Assignment Overview:

In this final assignment, you will conduct an in-depth case study of one country or region significantly impacted by human trafficking. Your project will consist of two parts:

Part 1: Research Paper (2,5003,000 words)

Choose a specific country or region and analyze:

• The scope of trafficking: Who is being trafficked, for what purposes (labor, sex, organ trade, etc.), and under what conditions?
• Root causes: Economic, political, cultural, and historical factors contributing to trafficking in that region.
• Legal framework: Existing national and international laws, treaties, or frameworks that address trafficking in the chosen country.
• Key actors: Role of government, NGOs, international organizations, traffickers, and survivors.
• Challenges and gaps: Enforcement, corruption, lack of victim support, migration crises, etc.
• Comparative analysis: Brief comparison with at least one other country or region.

Part 2: Policy Proposal (1,0001,500 words)

Based on your findings:

• Propose a realistic and culturally sensitive set of policies or programs to combat trafficking in the country you studied.
• Address prevention, prosecution, and protection (the 3Ps).
• Suggest partnerships between local and international actors.
• Anticipate potential obstacles and propose ways to overcome them.

Research Requirements:

• Minimum of 8 credible sources, including academic journals, reports by NGOs or IGOs (e.g., UNODC, IOM), and government documents.
• APA citation format.

Submission Format:

• Typed, double-spaced, 12-pt Times New Roman
• Submitted as a Word document
• Title page with your name, course, instructor, and chosen country

Grading Rubric (Total: 50 points)

Criteria

Excellent (A) (90100%)

Good (B) (8089%)

Satisfactory (C) (7079%)

Needs Improvement (D/F) (Below 70%)

Research Depth (12 pts)

Exceptionally thorough; clearly understands geopolitical, legal, and social dimensions; sources are diverse and credible.

Well-researched with good use of relevant sources; some depth in analysis.

Adequate coverage but lacks depth or misses key aspects.

Insufficient research or superficial treatment of the topic.

Case Study Analysis (10 pts)

Comprehensive, nuanced, and clearly articulated; strong understanding of causes and consequences.

Solid analysis, though may miss some nuance or regional complexity.

Adequate but general; lacks insight into the countrys specific context.

Disorganized, vague, or lacking relevance to the trafficking issue.

Policy Proposal (10 pts)

Innovative, feasible, and well-grounded in the research; addresses the 3Ps effectively.

Good proposal with feasible suggestions; partially grounded in research.

Basic proposal; some good ideas, but vague or unrealistic.

Underdeveloped, generic, or not grounded in case study.

Organization & Clarity (8 pts)

Exceptionally clear structure; logical flow between sections; writing is engaging and concise.

Clear and organized; minor issues in flow or style.

Organization is evident but inconsistent; some unclear sections.

Poorly structured or difficult to follow.

Use of Sources & Citations (5 pts)

All sources well-integrated and properly cited in APA/MLA; shows academic integrity.

Minor citation issues; most sources properly integrated.

Some sources not cited correctly or lack integration.

Citation errors or plagiarism concerns.

Mechanics & Grammar (5 pts)

Virtually no errors in spelling, grammar, or punctuation.

Minor grammatical issues; does not interfere with readability.

Noticeable errors, but paper is still readable.

Frequent errors that detract from clarity or professionalism.