The goal and purpose of this assignment is two-fold and builds upon the Deliberation Logs assignment. The purpose of analyzing arguments is to help us make “responsive and responsible decisions by facilitating our understanding of multiple perspectives on a controversial topic” (Makau & Marty, 2001, p. 206). This rightly assumes that there are already existing perspectives on a given topic. Thus, to engage in the discussion on the topic, one must be familiar with the various issues and commonplaces that already exist in the academic and public conversation you are about to participate in and on which you will take a position for in completing the Final Assignment. Whereas the Deliberation Logs demonstrate the ability to closely focus on reading, summarizing, and paraphrasing the arguments of others, the Issues & Commonplaces Paper demonstrates the ability to understand the “big picture” and synthesize the broader discussions of the Question of Value (QoV).
Issues & Commonplaces paper (3 – 5 full pages)
This short paper is a modified version of the Deliberation Logs, Step #2 (discussed as step one by Makau & Marty, 2001, p. 208-215). By properly completing this paper, you should have a broad understanding of the issues that drive discussions and disagreements as well as the commonplaces where opposing sides can agree upon topics related to the QoV. For this paper, REMEMBER, you are NOT taking a position regarding the QOV. Rather, you are explaining and synthesizing (via summarizing and paraphrasing) what the broader issues and commonplaces that structure ongoing conversations about the group topic and QoV.
Thus, you will identify the issues and commonplaces drawn from and supported by sources you have researched. First, you will identify, phrase, and explain the commonplaces that your sources agree upon. Secondly, you will identify, phrase, and explain the issues in which the multiple sides of the controversy disagree upon.
Be aware that the issues and commonplaces may not always be explicitly stated. Thus, you will need to read and cite a variety of sources that allow you to support what you have identified as the issues and commonplaces. The issues and commonplaces paper must be completed individually.
Grading & Assessment:
Issues and commonplaces are accurately and concisely stated (2 of each).
Claims about issues/commonplaces are adequately supported/cited from reliable research.
Comprehensively explains topic and the multiple sides that comprise the discussion about topic.
Utilizes at least six (6) sources to support claims about issues and commonplaces (textbook does not count as a source but will likely be cited).
Proper APA (6th ed.) formatting (req’d: cover page, references, in-text citations).
Paper includes a strong intro, preview statement, and accurately synthesizes cited literature.
Does not take a position. (!!!!)
