This assignment gives you the opportunity to think critically about a debate, problem, or general issue in your chosen field of study. You will research a topic that interests you and then put together an argument based on your research.
Because this essay is relatively short and because you will focus on a specific issue in a specialized academic discipline, you may not write on the following topics: abortion, gay marriage, the death penalty, euthanasia, gun control, gambling or casinos, popular entertainment, legalizing marijuana, or violence and video games.
Pre-Writing Phase
Choose a major and/or a field of study .
Identify the problems or debates circulating in that major or field of study, doing research to gather information, talking to librarians, and/or discussing current debates with professors and upperclassmen in your department.
Choose a specific topic that is not in the above list. In this essay, you will take a scholarly, intellectual, or even philosophical approach. Your audience will be members of academia.
Gather secondary sources about your topic.
Situate yourself within that debate; take a position. Remember, however, that you might not “take a side.” In other words, your position might be somewhere between the different arguments.
Write a tentative thesis statement that will help you draft your essay.
Required Components of the Essay
Research (6 sources, at least 2 of which must come from scholarly articles or books; 4 can be other sources like encyclopedias, newspapers, and reputable magazines) — In order to complete this assignment you must find books or scholarly articles about your chosen topic that present well-developed, quality arguments. Choose sources that represent different sides of the debate; one source (at most) can come from your textbook. Do not cite information you get off the Internet unless you have discussed those specific web sites with me. You may not, under any circumstances, quote from WIKIPEDIA.
2. Conceding and Refuting – Somewhere in your essay you must acknowledge an opposing point of view. Acknowledging the opposition leads to a concession or a refutation .
3. In-Text Citations and Works Cited Page – Use MLA style
Organization Tips
Introduction and First Body Paragraph – Present the debate and state your thesis. In your first paragraph (and perhaps in your second paragraph), you should provide some background information, quoting and paraphrasing information where appropriate. Remember that once you begin thinking about a specific topic in a specific field, a seemingly minor issue can achieve significance.
Other Body Paragraphs – Explain the reasons for your claim . In these paragraphs, you will try to convince your audience that you have a valid, persuasive argument. This means that you will offer supporting evidence and even perhaps introduce a scholar or two who disagrees with you . Remember that you want to present yourself as calm, reasonable, and open-minded.
Concluding Paragraph – Avoid restating all you have said in the thesis. Also, do not hesitate to ask questions, draw inferences, and consider the big picture. Imagine that, in your last few sentences, you are stepping away from the trees and are now viewing the forest.