Objective
In the course of writing this essay, students will learn the foundational components of research methodologies and information literacy. Students will learn to:
Formulate questions that can be investigated through research, collaboration, and writing
Structure an argument using the classical oration method, demonstrating understanding of the six key components of argument – introduction, background, thesis, evidence, refutation (counterargument), and conclusion – and the power of structure in argument.
Develop a thesis that articulates a specific point of view or claim
Determine the extent and type of information needed, drawing upon a variety of sources
Conduct responsible research by evaluating and synthesizing relevant valid sources
Integrate source material effectively and ethically into coherent formal writing to accomplish a specific purpose
Document sources both in-text and in “References” accurately using APA documentation methods
Demonstrate academic integrity by avoiding plagiarism
Instructions
Write a researched argument about one of the controversial issues listed below. These issues are topics curated by CQ Researcher, an electronic database in the LSC CyFair library; CQ Researcher presents “Pro/Con” bundles that include a variety of questions from which you can choose for this essay.
“Freedom of Speech and Press”
This paper is your own argument, but you should take into account what you’ve learned during this course: begin by showing the conversation your paper is responding to (“Introduction” and “Background”), have a clear statement of your own argument (“Thesis”), include quotes and incorporate them smoothly (“Evidence”), point out possible objections to your argument (“Refutation”), use appropriate transitions, and explain why the issue matters (“Conclusion”). You might also consider adding metacommentary and finding ways to include your own voice even though this is academic writing.
Essays that do not use this Classical argument structure will earn a failing grade.
Format
Writers will craft an essay of 5-7 pages (1500-2100 words); essays that do not meet this development (length) requirement will earn a failing grade.
Writers will include an APA-formatted cover page and abstract for the essay along with APA-formatted level-1 subheadings for each of the six (6) sections of the Classically-arranged argument – introduction, background, thesis, evidence, refutation, and conclusion.
Research Requirement
Writers must integrate at least five (5) academically credible sources into this essay. At least one (1) of these sources must be an article from a scholarly journal or peer-reviewed periodical, and at least one (1) of these sources should be an academically credible international source.
Essays that do not integrate and correctly attribute these sources will earn a failing grade.
Essays submitted to D2L receive a Turnitin Similarity Report which indicates the percentage of the essay’s text that is similar to other published and archived texts.
Essays that receive a report of 30% or higher will earn a zero grade (0/100). Students can see the Turnitin Similarity Report when they upload their essays, and they are free to revise and upload an improved copy before the assignment deadline. The last version of the essay posted is the one graded.
Academic Integrity
Essays that contain AI-generated content (as assessed by GPTZero) earn a zero grade (0/100).
