In evaluating social or cultural ideas some of the most provocative questions and arguments occur around theories to explain various controversies, conspiracies, "mysteries" or challenging-to-understand issues or events. As a class project that gives us a chance to look more deeply into an event or ongoing issue recent enough to provide a wide array of opinions, research and living witnesses, we will review and evaluate the material surrounding one of the following social/cultural issues and any implications for our world. Using "story," "analogy" or other rhetorical elements we have covered will be strong parts of the final version--even epigraphs [a quotation at the beginning of a book, chapter, etc, suggesting its theme] are encouraged.
As you investigate topics and choose 1-3 possible ones to explore, be sure to let verifiable evidence from your research lead your thinking. "Cherry-picking" only evidence that reflects your personal view is "lame" and unethical. Examining arguments counter to yours and finding evidence to disprove them make very convincing information FOR your claim. As long as there is good evidence to support the thesis, virtually any position on your topic is possible, but any topic must be approved by the instructor ASAP. The topic you choose must conform to the documentation style of field of study which characterizes that topic: Fields of Study list | Fields and Styles.
Possible topics to explore for E2 Documented Argument Evaluation: Others may be considered, but please confer with me about them. No Pro-Con or simple review of material fits this project. These links below are for general information:
Search for and research an important issue in your field of study, medicine, law enforcement, forestry, psychology, etc. OR choose from:
Some issue in "Alternative" studies: history, archeology, science, medicine, etc.
WTC 7 –explore the official account (the 9/11 Commission Report, etc.) and the alternate accounts of its loss (e.g. 9/11: Explosive Evidence full version and shorter explanation for WTC7).
The Role of the Media and Journalism in a free society such as the United States. One view, another and another.
Something not listed but a topic with a clear social impact. Anything not listed above MUST be approved ASAP by conferencing with me.
Project Details and Stages Overview: Please choose one of the social/cultural topics above or--with instructor approval--a "mystery," conspiracy theory or controversy that intrigues you:
Scope of E2 Paper:
1. c.2000-2500 wds. - 8-10 pages (c.250wds/page/) |
2. with at least 5-8 sources cited from at least 8-10 in an annotated bibliography |
3. at least 2+ cited sources must be from scholarly peer reviewed journals/databases |
4. an evaluation /critique) of credibility of one possible source [include print out of first 1-2 pages and last 1-2 pages] of authoritative evidence |
5. a semi-formal research proposal-(template includes annotated bibliography) |
6. annotated bibliography explanation (at least 8-10 listings in template above) |
7. conforms to appropriate format and style for
documented, argument writing in your topic's field. |
Here is a suggested staged process divided by green, brown and purple type. These stages can be accelerated as suits each student's pace, but the progress journals will need to be turned in each week EVEN IF THE STAGES GO LONGER than the identified time frame, and/or as each stage is finished.
Stage one: A6 = journal to summarize the process of Finding the Focus-- as part of the Topic Exp document, add the other points (numbered) for this A6 journal.
Stage two You
can allow 2 weeks to complete:THE
A7/8 = journal to
summarize the process of
Finding and Evaluating
Sources--present as a 3--part stapled packet.
(1 and 2 are technically combined)
Stage four-- Final Journal A10 is the PROCESS/Debriefing WRITING for E2 that is part of the E2 Packet including journals A6-A9 and any other progress journals. Continue completing the stages and finishing the parts of the final packet of material. For adding length, try these ways to include more material toward target word count:
Presto--E2 pretty much done....
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