Final Paper Assignment (The Big One)

The goal of this paper is to use the skills of the Toulmin model we've developed so far (and some others that we will be elaborating more fully) and quality research to create a thorough, argumentative research project. This kind of writing will prepare you for many similar projects in later classes.

The basic expectations for this project:

Prospectus (see below)

6-8 pages of writing (1650 – 2300 words)

8 sources, at least three of which are “non-internet”

The Project

You may choose from the following list of options in writing your project. If you have another project in mind, ask me about it very early on in the process.

1. Write a persuasive paper that asserts a position on one of the policy debates that we have discussed in class or on the journal (e.g. war, abortion, animal testing, religious freedom). Support your position with appropriate research and quality sources. Organize your paper effectively according to the suggestions in Structure of Argument.

2. Create a website that argues a claim of policy or of fact (like the flat-earth society website). Only choose this option if you have some familiarity with creating websites. I will not have time to teach html in class, but I can direct you to some good information and “how-to” guides if you are interested. The website option will also have a slightly different set of expectations.

Prospectus

The first step will be to write a prospectus--a short introduction to your paper that describes what you will write about written in memo format. The prospectus will be one or two pages long and will contain:

thesis statement

description of research topic

partial bibliography (at least 3 sources you plan to use)

The prospectus will be due well in advance of the final paper. The idea is to begin the writing process and the research far in advance of the proverbial “last minute” and to give you a clear focus as you begin to research.

Sources

The research goal of this paper is to find and use 8 good sources. This means that your sources should be reliable, scholarly publications, and they should be documented fully and correctly to avoid plagiarism.

Presentation

You are expected to give a brief (5 minute) in-class presentation of your project. This won't be a big deal.

Schedule

Please make note of the following important dates:

Friday August 1 – Prospectus due

Wednesday August 6 – Writing Workshop

Thursday Auguest 7 – Presentations

Friday August 8 – Final Paper Due

Grading

Grammar/Spelling 20%

Style 15%

Organization 15%

Argument 30%

Sources 20%

As usual, ask me as many questions as you want. I check my email constantly.