Evaluating a Social/Cultural Idea or Event, by Supporting a Claim That Reflects One View

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 Jane 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. APA will likely be the most common.

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:

1. Search for and research an important issue in your field of study, medicine, law enforcement, forestry, psychology, etc. OR choose from:

2.  List of some Controversial Issues.

3. List of some Conspiracies.

4. Some issue in "Alternative" studies:  history, archeology, science, medicine, etc.  

5. 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).

6. Racism: Define "Race" and explore the various theories of "racial or cultural superiority" based on skin color, cultural heritage, or beliefs.

   • One View  and another."

7. The Role of the Media and Journalism in a free society such as the United States. One view,  another and another.

8. Public Land Management: One view and another.

9. 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 as included in the staged progress:

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 A# need to be uploaded via Canvas

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.

1. Do an Basic Topic Exp. to establish what you may already know and pose any questions you have about the topic. If the possible topic changes, a new Topic Exp. is needed.
2. Determine and make a list of some search terms that may/do produce useful information.
3. Explore internet resources including data bases, etc. that can show many facets of the topic (copy/paste possible urls for later)
   • a thesis/claim ONE sentence that includes a reference (can use "although") to the counter-argument side
   • and at least two reasons that express your understanding of the topic at this point. The two reasons should lead to your thesis.
4. As needed, add a few sentences about progress, and any questions, to this point.

Stage two   THE A7/8 = journal to summarize the process of Finding and Evaluating Sources

1. Write/complete a semi-formal proposal.|  Fields of Study list | Fields and Styles |
2. Keep an annotated list of urls and other resources such as print periodicals, books, etc. (including the publishing information) -- the base of an annotated bibliography (IN the proposal docx. not a separate document) which for this project must have at least 8-10 entries.
3. a.) Formulate a more solid thesis/claim sentence (include counter-argument) and two to three main points/reasons (an argument) for which you can present good evidence. 
4. Use OWL Guide to Evaluating sources--a series in the side listing for regarding sources. | Evaluate one possible source fully (all considerations). include print out of first 1-2 pages and last 1-2 pages of the article being evaluated.
5. Write out in paragraph form a statement of your current progress--problems, etc.

1. (OPT) Build an outline of the paper| Outline Template.docx or do a Position Paper worksheet  |With an MS APA template specific points/paragraph topics, reasoning and evidence for each (OPTIONAL: Try a Scripting Grid if that helps arrange the material.
2. As the essay material and focus develops please consult text, links, style guides, peer edits and other material on, Argument, YouTube on argument writing and CounterArgument   (youtube example)   Also, Please find a relevant quote/saying to use in an epigraph> Epigraph APA formatting, and in MLA¶6, | to epigraph def.,| Google "sayings  about [key idea] e.g "fairness"  as needed.
3. Write out in paragraph form your current progress on this project, pluses & minuses, and current THESIS SENTENCE, etc..

Stage four--A10 Final Journal for E2 with a brief statement of your experience of the final stages. As A10  it will be part of the E2-contentsfor Final Digital Packet. Continue completing the stages and finishing the parts of the  E2 contents for Final Digital Packet.

 For adding length, try these ways to include more material toward target word count:

1. generate more reasons for your thesis and find/add evidence
2. include more example situations/ accounts that illustrate your thesis, etc.
3. add more explanation and evidence to discount the counter argument(s).
4. expand explanations of evidence, transitions, etc.
5. add more sources and CITE them...
6. add more definitions of terms even though they might be familiar, e.g. "disease"  

                                                  Presto--E2 pretty much done....

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