(Essay #3)
Overview
During this unit, we will talk about the Research Argument genre. We will discuss the key features of an
argument and locate those features in model texts. We will review ethos, pathos, and logos and
continue our discussion about critical thinking and logical reasoning. We will explore the importance all
those things play in an argument essay. We will continue to cover research methods, the necessity of
evaluating sources, and the value of an annotated bibliography and literature review.
Purpose
The purpose of this project will be to research a topic related to your major/career field or an issue in
which you are interested. You will then take a stance on that issue. Please note that “taking a stance”
does not mean that you are arguing for or against something. Rather, you are going to enter into the
academic conversation and argue a point related to that topic. After researching your topic and taking a
stand on the issue, you will communicate that to me and your peers through writing. By doing this, you
will become more immersed in your chosen academic field. You will become more familiar with the
process of researching and skilled at arguing your position. You will apply the critical thinking and
logical reasoning skills we have discussed throughout the semester. You will implement naysayers into
your essay in order to strengthen your stance. You will use multiple outside sources to explain the
conversation, present a particular perspective, and support or argue your position. These skills are
among those you will take to your future classes. As you pursue your degree, you will be required to not
only take a stance on an issue within your discipline, you must also be able to effectively argue that
position. This assignment will give you the opportunity to master those skills.
Assignment
For this project, you are to use critical thinking and logical reasoning to argue a position within your
discipline or a discipline in which you are interested. To adequately accomplish this assignment, you
must be familiar with the current issues and theories within your major (of other field of interest). You
will read and researched general information about a topic within your field. Then, you are to take a
stance on an issue. But in order to do so, you must approach this assignment with a sense of Inquiry.
You will need to have a question in mind about your topic. By starting with a sense of Inquiry, you begin
the journey of discovery. Your research will allow you to arrive at a position and give you the proper
tools to support that stance.
Tasks
• The first thing you will need to do is decide on a topic.
• After you’ve chosen your topic, you must form an inquiry question. Reflect on thesis
development. Remember a good thesis begins with a question. What questions do you have
about your topic? As you think about this question, consider how you can narrow it down so
that you maintain a tightly focused topic throughout your paper.
• If you have not done so already, do a general search of your topic. Reflect on the guidance and
suggestions the library folks gave us when they visited our class.
• You will need to continue conducting research and choose 8 articles (at least 4 must be peer
reviewed) you think can contribute to your essay. Keep organized notes of these articles (Triple
Entry Journals or Two-Step Summaries, for example). Do not forget to write down page
numbers for quotes you like! Detailed notes will make it easier for you to find these sources
later when you are writing your essay.
• As you discuss those sources in your essay, you will need to make sure you locate any
reasoning or argument flaws to not only support your own argument but to also demonstrate
your critical thinking abilities.
• You will need to write and submit summaries of 4 of those articles.
• You will write and submit an annotated bibliography and literature review (a prompt for
those assignments will be forthcoming).
• You will need to complete at least 2 meaningful revisions to your draft. There needs to be
substantial and significant changes from your 1st draft to your 3rd and those revisions will be part
of the grade you receive for this paper.
Requirements
• 8-10 pages (2400-3000 words), Double spaced, 12 or 11-point font, works cited page.
• Format must follow MLA style 8th ed.
• At least 6 academic sources At least 4 must be peer reviewed. 2 or more can come from Trade
Publications, National Newspapers (publications like Politico, Atlantic, New Yorker, Washington
Post), field specific magazines, authoritative videos such as TED talks, .gov websites, or
personal interviews you prepare and conduct.
• A title which uniquely conveys your thesis (You cannot use titles like “Argument.”)
• A new author’s note with each draft you turn in.
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