If you have your own area of interest, you should pursue that. Your work should be analytical rather than merely descriptive. Quality of the work is more important than the length of the paper.
Depth is better than breadth.
I can suggest many topics and might be able to provide data and readings. All topics must be approved by Professor Cohen, based on your one-page proposal. Normally, research is completed after you return to Washington. Several students say they want to get a head start by working on their project in the Spring. That's okay too.