Assignment 1: Final Argument Paper

Using the information from the PowerPoint presentation you created in Module 3, write an Argument Paper that takes a position on the issue you selected. Be sure to include an explanation of the topic, possible viewpoints on the topic, your selected position on the topic, and appropriate evidence to support both your position and that of your possible opponents. Avoid the errors in reasoning that we have studied during the past five weeks by providing your argument in a logically defensible form.

Directions:

1. Provide a summary introduction that succinctly identifies and explains the chosen issue, including key terms.
2. Identify and explain one argument (pro or con) related to the chosen issue; either summarize an existing argument or construct an original one.
3. Identify and assess the type of evidence offered in support of the argument position. This will include identifying premises and conclusions.
4. Analyze the evidence by explaining how the evidence logically supports or fails to support the argument’s conclusion, and critically evaluate the argument for any reasoning errors, accurately align the argument with the selected topic, and describe the source of the argument.
5. Next, identify and explain one counter argument (pro or con) related to the chosen issue and related to the first argument; either summarize an existing argument or construct an original one.
6. Identify and assess the type of evidence offered in support of the argument position. This will include identifying premises and conclusions.
7. Analyze the evidence by explaining how the evidence logically supports or fails to support the argument’s conclusion, and critically evaluate the argument for any reasoning errors, accurately align the argument with the selected topic, and describe the source of the argument.
8. Critically assess which of the two arguments is superior; defend the judgment by explaining how and why. Explain the value of critical-thinking analysis in reaching this final conclusion.
9. Apply current APA standards for editorial style, expression of ideas, and format of text, citations, and references. Professionally present the position using good grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Submit your Argument Paper in Microsoft Word document format to the M5: Assignment 1 Dropbox by Saturday, December 7, 2013.

Assignment 2 Grading Criteria	Maximum Points
Summary Introduction.	16
Identified and explained one argument (pro or con) related to the chosen issue.	20
Type of evidence offered in support of the argument position.	20
Analysis and explanation of how the evidence supports or fails to support the corresponding conclusion.	24
Evaluation of the argument.	28
Identified and explained one counter argument (pro or con) related to the chosen issue and related to the first argument.	20
Type of evidence offered in support of the counter argument position.	20
Analysis and explanation of how the counter argument supports or fails to support the corresponding conclusion.	24
Evaluation of counter argument.	28
Critically assessed which of the two arguments is superior, explaining how and why. Explain the value of critical thinking analysis in this assessment.	36
Organization.	16
Usage and Mechanics.	16
APA.	24
Style.	8
Total:	300

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CLASS

Discussion Questions (DQ)

• Initial responses to the DQ should address all components of the questions asked, include a minimum of one scholarly source, and be at least 250 words.
• Successful responses are substantive (i.e., add something new to the discussion, engage others in the discussion, well-developed idea) and include at least one scholarly source.
• One or two sentence responses, simple statements of agreement or “good post,” and responses that are off-topic will not count as substantive. Substantive responses should be at least 150 words.
• I encourage you to incorporate the readings from the week (as applicable) into your responses.

Weekly Participation

• Your initial responses to the mandatory DQ do not count toward participation and are graded separately.
• In addition to the DQ responses, you must post at least one reply to peers (or me) on three separate days, for a total of three replies.
• Participation posts do not require a scholarly source/citation (unless you cite someone else’s work).
• Part of your weekly participation includes viewing the weekly announcement and attesting to watching it in the comments. These announcements are made to ensure you understand everything that is due during the week.

APA Format and Writing Quality

• Familiarize yourself with APA format and practice using it correctly. It is used for most writing assignments for your degree. Visit the Writing Center in the Student Success Center, under the Resources tab in LoudCloud for APA paper templates, citation examples, tips, etc. Points will be deducted for poor use of APA format or absence of APA format (if required).
• Cite all sources of information! When in doubt, cite the source. Paraphrasing also requires a citation.
• I highly recommend using the APA Publication Manual, 6th edition.

Use of Direct Quotes

• I discourage overutilization of direct quotes in DQs and assignments at the Masters’ level and deduct points accordingly.
• As Masters’ level students, it is important that you be able to critically analyze and interpret information from journal articles and other resources. Simply restating someone else’s words does not demonstrate an understanding of the content or critical analysis of the content.
• It is best to paraphrase content and cite your source.

 

LopesWrite Policy

• For assignments that need to be submitted to LopesWrite, please be sure you have received your report and Similarity Index (SI) percentage BEFORE you do a “final submit” to me.
• Once you have received your report, please review it. This report will show you grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors that can easily be fixed. Take the extra few minutes to review instead of getting counted off for these mistakes.
• Review your similarities. Did you forget to cite something? Did you not paraphrase well enough? Is your paper made up of someone else’s thoughts more than your own?
• Visit the Writing Center in the Student Success Center, under the Resources tab in LoudCloud for tips on improving your paper and SI score.

Late Policy

• The university’s policy on late assignments is 10% penalty PER DAY LATE. This also applies to late DQ replies.
• Please communicate with me if you anticipate having to submit an assignment late. I am happy to be flexible, with advance notice. We may be able to work out an extension based on extenuating circumstances.
• If you do not communicate with me before submitting an assignment late, the GCU late policy will be in effect.
• I do not accept assignments that are two or more weeks late unless we have worked out an extension.
• As per policy, no assignments are accepted after the last day of class. Any assignment submitted after midnight on the last day of class will not be accepted for grading.

Communication

• Communication is so very important. There are multiple ways to communicate with me: 
  • Questions to Instructor Forum: This is a great place to ask course content or assignment questions. If you have a question, there is a good chance one of your peers does as well. This is a public forum for the class.
  • Individual Forum: This is a private forum to ask me questions or send me messages. This will be checked at least once every 24 hours.

 

 

Critical Thinking: Common Sense

Critical Thinking: Common Sense