Length and Format: 1500-2100 words (12 point type; Double-spaced; Times New Roman; MLA format). A research paper without in-text citations and a works cited page will receive a zero.
Instructions: You must make an argument based on your research. That means you must compose a clear, limited thesis. The thesis must be arguable. You must support your thesis with strong chains of reasoning based in evidence. All claims must be supported by evidence. You must also make it clear to your audience why your argument matters. Why should they care about this? Persuade us that reading your paper is worthwhile.
You must also address doubts and questions about, as well as counterarguments to, your position. Addressing opposing viewpoints builds your credibility as a writer. You must assume that your audience is skeptical of your claims. Avoid broad generalizations and supposedly self-evident claims. Be precise and exhaustive in your explanations.
You must have a minimum of two academic sources (scholarly, peer-reviewed sources) to use as evidence in support of your proposal (you may also include other sources to provide context). Use this evidence concretely. That is, simply parroting someone else’s general opinion is not evidence in itself. You must have a minimum of eight sources total in the research paper.
What I’ll be looking for:
- A thorough contextualization of your research situation in the opening, followed by the presentation of your thesis.
- A sensible organization that builds on your thesis. Topic sentences must develop the thesis throughout.
- A convincing chain of reasoning supported by concrete evidence.
- Effective incorporation of support from your sources, with proper formatting of in-text citation and a works cited page.
- Well-developed and well-focused paragraphs.
- Coherence within and between your paragraphs.
Objective: The skills required to complete the research paper are the skills necessary to complete your college degree and to work within the larger contemporary culture. The ability to find quality, reliable information and use that information to address contemporary problems large and small is the most valued skill in most professional cultures. You will use every skill we have worked on this semester: summary, analysis, evaluation, synthesis, and argument. The research paper marks the culmination of your work in critical thinking and writing.
Essay Checklist
Formatting:
Double-spaced
12-point type
Times New Roman (or equivalent)
MLA format (heading, parenthetical quotations, works cited page)
Relevant title (you must craft a title that succinctly indicates the content of your essay)
Indent the first line of each paragraph
Left-justified (do not center your text)
Content:
Context (think of your audience)
Thesis (precise claim)
Topic sentences (precise and limiting sub-claims)
Direct quotations and examples from sources
Counterarguments/possible objections
Conclusion (reflect on thesis/further concerns)
Editing:
Grammar and punctuation
Cohesion and coherence
MLA precision
Word count
Turnitin score
Rough pitch draft:
Final Project Argument
In my project, I argue that while AI has great potential to make political campaigns more efficient, it also poses serious risks to democracy if left unchecked. AI can quickly analyze massive amounts of voter data, helping politicians target messages more accurately. But this precision often blurs into manipulation, subtly steering voters in ways they might not even realize. Without solid rules in place, AI risks amplifying biases, deepening polarization, and eroding public trust. I propose that clear, balanced regulations are essential to keep AI’s role in politics transparent, fair, and in line with democratic values.
Counterargument and Rebuttal
One major counterargument is that AI can actually strengthen democracy by reaching people who might otherwise feel overlooked in politics. By tailoring messages to resonate with specific communities, AI could help engage underrepresented groups and increase overall voter participation. However, this approach can easily slip into exploitation, using personal data to shape opinions in ways that feel less like engagement and more like persuasion. This raises concerns about “manufactured consent,” where AI’s subtle influence overrides genuine public will. Without oversight, AI-driven political strategies could shift power disproportionately, making it hard for voters to freely form their own opinions.