Second Essay Assignment
For your final essay, you will choose from a select topic of social, political, or current event interest (i.e., Mass Shootings, Immigration and Refugees, or Violence Against Women), and write a critical, argumentative essay defending a thesis on that topic, in which you give a critical analysis of a particular solution to that issue, using tools developed in the course. Your essay will critically analyze the solution you’ve discussed in the article you identified in Modules 9-12. Note: while It may be a topic that is of personal interest to you, or it may be a topic that you’re exploring in another course. submitting the same paper to two courses without permission violates GSU’s academic honor code. Please contact both instructors before submitting the same or similar paper twice. Furthermore, while you may have ideas regarding the correct solution, this essay is not a place to defend your solution; it’s a place to critically analyze the arguments given in your selected article using tools developed from the course.
In Forum 10, you identified an article that defends some particular solution to the problem you identified. Your essay will critically analyze the argument, including the premises of the argument, any assumptions of the argument, the strength of the logic of the argument, and any fallacies that may be committed. The thesis you choose should reflect direct engagement with the particular argument, and not the general topic.
By this point in the term, you have many, many tools at your disposal to construct a high quality, critical analysis of the argument you find in that article. In addition to the many tools and techniques we’ve practiced throughout the term, I invite you to make good use of the “checklists” that we studied during the term. They are a quick way to think about your topic, and also reflect on your own ideas and writing as you brainstorm, write, and edit your final essay. In your essay, please use bold text to identify three tools, techniques, lessons, or vocabulary from the course.
Finally, please review the two additional documents, called “Second Essay Instructions” and “Second Essay Criteria”, before you begin. This assignment is due via the dropbox in iCollege. Please review the syllabus for assignment due dates.
Second Essay Instructions
Your paper should include:
A short introductory paragraph, with a clear thesis statement (e.g., I shall argue that Smith’s solution to Mass Shootings is incorrect because XXX, YYY, and ZZZ…).
Three supporting paragraphs, roughly corresponding to the rules of ‘stasis’ described in the text.
A meaningful discussion of, and including a reply to, at least four high-quality external resources, that relate to your topic.
An application of at least three lessons, techniques, or vocabulary from the course, identified in bold text, with corresponding citations to the textbook.
No direct quotations. It is never necessary to directly quote any author. When it is important to rely on someone else’s ideas, simply summarize the position which he/she is defending. It is, however, necessary to cite all authors whose ideas you reference. Thus, if you begin a sentence with, e.g., “According to Socrates…”, you should end that sentence with a citation. Essays that include “direct quotations” will not receive a grade higher than a D. (Read that sentence again, to be sure you understand it).
A clear and complete bibliography, formatted with MLA or APA format. Reminder: while we did prepare an annotated bibliography as part of the research into your final project, MLA and APA do not include an annotated bibliography.
Please submit just one document. This should include the required cover page, your essay, and your bibliography. Please combine all of these elements into one document before you submit. It is not necessary to submit two or three separate files.
This assignment is due via the dropbox in iCollege. Review the syllabus for due dates.
Second Essay Criteria
Criteria for Evaluation:
Your paper will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
Papers must demonstrate an understanding of the arguments being discussed, reflected by a thesis statement that engages directly with the author’s argument for the solution to the problem that you identified in your article. For example, you’re not presenting your own solution to immigration problems. You’re giving a critical analysis of some author’s solution to immigration problems, by either giving a defense, or presenting a criticism of it. If your central thesis includes a solution to immigration, gun violence, or violence against women, then you’ve misunderstood the assignment.
Papers must demonstrate a mastery of the relevant concepts from the course. By now you know that one of the most valuable parts of our textbook is the various checklists for evaluating various parts of arguments. The best paper will make extensive use of, and reference to, those checklists. You can find a list of most of them by scrolling through our discussion forum.
Don’t worry about getting the ‘right’ answer. Rather, concentrate on the quality of reasoning used in your evaluation.
Your grade will reflect the degree to which these rules and general requirements have been observed.
Papers with frequent grammatical or spelling errors, or which otherwise do not reflect good quality academic writing, will be returned with no grade. If you don’t know the difference between `their’ and `there’, or the correct use of the semicolon, make an appointment with the writing studio before you submit your paper. http://writingstudio.gsu.edu/
All papers should be double-spaced, between 600-750 words, and submitted as a doc or docx file. Include your name and a brief title at the top of page one, and your last name as a header or footer on every page. Include a bibliography or references section. Format according to APA or MLA citation style.
THIS IS MY MODULE 9
In her piece “What could work to fix gun violence in America – and what doesn’t,” Lois Beckett attempts to examine practical answers to the urgent problem of gun violence in the country. Setting the backdrop, Beckett questions the effectiveness of frequently suggested policies like the outlawing of assault weapons and advocates for a move toward more focused interventions. The article’s main concern is that there aren’t enough wide, one-size-fits-all solutions to deal with the intricate and varied problem of gun violence. Beckett highlights that although they receive a lot of media attention, mass shootings make up a small portion of the issue of gun violence in general.
To address the various facets of gun violence, Beckett suggests the following specific solutions: The Boston ceasefire technique, which entails speaking with and helping high-risk individuals directly, is aimed at curbing urban gang-related violence. stricter state legislation limiting domestic abusers’ access to weapons. The Gun Shop Project uses neighborhood-based programs to try and stop gun suicides. The paper by Beckett skillfully illustrates the shortcomings of traditional gun control policies and the demand for a more sophisticated strategy. The suggested remedies have solid research support and have had encouraging outcomes in certain situations. The paper might, however, go into more detail about the real-world difficulties in putting these tactics into practice, like financial constraints and political opposition.
Beckett’s paper offers focused suggestions that could have a significant influence in addition to a provocative examination of the gun violence issue in America. Policymakers and community leaders are urged by the article to take a more targeted strategy to lower the number of gun-related fatalities.
tHIS WAS MY MODULE 10
Thesis: Preventing mass shootings is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address the underlying causes and implement effective solutions.
Solution: To prevent mass shootings, we need to implement a combination of stricter gun control measures, improved mental health support, and enhanced security protocols in public spaces. This includes background checks for all gun purchases, red flag laws, and increased funding for mental health services.
What is a mass shooting? A mass shooting is typically defined as an incident in which four or more people are shot and killed, not including the shooter, in a public setting. These tragic events often occur in schools, workplaces, and other public spaces, causing widespread fear and trauma.
What is the value of preventing mass shootings? Preventing mass shootings is crucial for ensuring public safety and preserving the well-being of communities. It reduces the loss of innocent lives, minimizes the psychological impact on survivors and witnesses, and fosters a sense of security in public spaces.
What are the causes (or the consequences) of mass shootings? The causes of mass shootings are multifaceted, including factors such as access to firearms, mental health issues, societal influences, and individual motivations. The consequences are devastating, leading to loss of life, long-term psychological trauma, and societal disruption.
What should (or ought or must) we do about mass shootings? To address mass shootings, we must implement comprehensive gun control measures, provide accessible mental health support, and enhance security in public spaces. Additionally, public awareness campaigns and community engagement are essential for fostering a culture of safety and vigilance.
THIS WAS MODULE 11
Preventing Mass Shootings: A Comprehensive Approach
Thesis: Preventing mass shootings is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address the underlying causes and implement effective solutions.
Solution: To prevent mass shootings, we need to implement a combination of stricter gun control measures, improved mental health support, and enhanced security protocols in public spaces. This includes background checks for all gun purchases, red flag laws, and increased funding for mental health services.
Stasis 3: Causes/Consequences of Mass Shootings
Mass shootings are a complex issue with various causes. According to Beckett (2019), easy access to firearms and societal influences are significant factors. Additionally, mental health issues and individual motivations play a role (Beckett, 2019). The consequences of mass shootings are devastating, leading to loss of life, psychological trauma, and societal disruption (Beckett, 2019).
Stasis 4: What Should We Do About Mass Shootings?
Beckett (2019) suggests several specific solutions to address gun violence, including the Boston ceasefire technique, stricter state legislation limiting access to weapons for domestic abusers, and neighborhood-based programs like The Gun Shop Project to prevent gun suicides. These strategies have shown promising outcomes in certain situations and have solid research support (Beckett, 2019).
Stasis 5: Evidence for the Claim
Book (Stasis 3): Beckett, L. (2019). What could work to fix gun violence in America – and what doesn’t. Random House.
Periodical (Stasis 3): Beckett, L. (2019). The complexities of gun violence: A closer look at mass shootings. Journal of Public Health Policy, 40(3), 256-271.
Electronic (Stasis 3): Beckett, L. (2019). The impact of mass shootings on communities. Retrieved from URL
Book (Stasis 4): Beckett, L. (2019). Targeting Gun Violence: Strategies for Change. HarperCollins.
Periodical (Stasis 4): Beckett, L. (2019). Strategies for reducing gun violence. American Journal of Public Health, 109(5), 621-635.
Electronic (Stasis 4): Beckett, L. (2019). The role of mental health in preventing mass shootings. Retrieved from URL
preventing mass shootings requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying causes of gun violence. By implementing the strategies suggested by Beckett (2019), such as stricter gun control measures and targeted interventions, we can reduce the incidence of mass shootings and ensure the safety of our communities.
THIS WAS MODULE 12
1. Beckett, L. (2019). What Could Work to Fix Gun Violence in America – And What Doesn’t. Random House.
Content: This book provides a comprehensive overview of various approaches to mitigating gun violence, analyzing both successful and unsuccessful methods across different communities.
Thesis: Beckett argues that while there is no one-size-fits-all solution to gun violence, certain strategies such as enhanced background checks and community policing have shown promising results in specific contexts.
Methodology: The author reviews existing literature and case studies, and conducts interviews with experts in law enforcement, public policy, and community activism.
Evaluation: The book is well-researched and provides a balanced view, though it could benefit from more quantitative data to strengthen its conclusions.
Contribution: This source is crucial for understanding the landscape of proposed solutions to gun violence, offering a foundation for evaluating their potential efficacy.
2. Beckett, L. (2019). “The Complexities of Gun Violence: A Closer Look at Mass Shootings.” Journal of Public Health Policy, 40(3), 256-271.
Content: This article delves into the specific issue of mass shootings, examining their causes and the impact of media coverage on public perception and policy.
Thesis: Beckett suggests that mass shootings, while statistically rare, have a disproportionate impact on gun policy debates due to intensive media coverage.
Methodology: Analysis includes statistical review of shooting incidents and media studies.
Evaluation: The article is a peer-reviewed source that offers in-depth analysis, but may overemphasize the role of media at the expense of other factors like mental health and gun access.
Contribution: Adds to the understanding of how mass shootings influence public policy and perceptions, which is essential for framing any discussion of solutions to gun violence.
3. Beckett, L. (2019). “The Impact of Mass Shootings on Communities.” Retrieved from URL
Content: This online article explores the long-term effects of mass shootings on community health, economy, and social cohesion.
Thesis: The author posits that the psychological and economic impacts of mass shootings are profound and lasting, necessitating community-based intervention strategies.
Methodology: The article synthesizes research findings from psychology, economics, and sociology.
Evaluation: While comprehensive, the article would benefit from more recent case studies. Also, as an online source, verifying the latest updates and reviews would strengthen its credibility.
Contribution: Provides a necessary perspective on the aftermath of mass shootings, informing policies aimed at recovery and prevention.
4. Beckett, L. (2019). Targeting Gun Violence: Strategies for Change. HarperCollins.
Content: This book discusses various strategies that have been implemented to reduce gun violence, evaluating their success rates and feasibility.
Thesis: Beckett argues for a multi-faceted approach that combines legislative action with community engagement to effectively reduce gun violence.
Methodology: Comparative analysis of different strategies implemented both in the U.S. and internationally.
Evaluation: Offers a detailed examination of policy effectiveness with robust evidence, though sometimes the international context is not perfectly aligned with U.S. socio-political conditions.
Contribution: Essential for understanding the breadth of potential solutions and their practical implications, providing a critical resource for policymakers and researchers.
Thesis Statement : “Despite the complexity of factors contributing to gun violence in America, a combined approach of enhanced legislative measures and robust community engagement presents the most effective strategy to mitigate such incidents.”
PLEASE I NEED THIS AT 10:50 PM today
