comment from prodessor on rough draft : “Right now there really isn’t a strong, clear argument. Instead it is all INFORMATIVE on the treatment. This is also a lot of source material – where are you in the paper? It seems like the argument is actually that clinicians aren’t doing their job by not studying this but you don’t mention that until the “conclusion”. This needs to be the focus and your research tied to that. Otherwise it is mostly informative.”
The Final Researched Argument is the culmination of the work you have done throughout this course. This paper takes a stand on your chosen topic and persuades the reader to see your side. (While this project will present both sides of the topic, you should probably use your skills concerning counterarguments to strengthen your own side.) Let me say again that this project should be your argument, about an issue concerning your topic; the sources are going to support or refute your argument, NOT make your argument. You must be careful/aware of bias.
Requirements (what I’m grading on):
- The paper must include a thesis statement, which explains clearly the purpose of the project. It should be obvious from the thesis statement which “side” of the issue you will take. Your thesis must maintain its presence throughout the draft and the main points must be organized clearly for the reader.
- Your argument/opinion must lead the paper. There must be ANALYSIS, not just a regurgitation of what others have said. The heart of your project is your own interpretation, analysis or integration of the literature. After carefully reviewing the related research, what new information or new perspective do you have to offer? You are permitted to draw your own conclusions and to incorporate your opinion into this paper. However, all opinions should be backed up with fact.
- While the majority of the paper will be catered to your “side,” you must also carefully consider the inclusion of the “other side” at some point (refutation/counterarguments). You must also “turn back” these counterarguments.
- You must include a minimum of 8 sources in this project, no more than 15 sources (unless you talk to me or have multiple “primary sources” such as ads, films, tweets, etc.). Each source should clearly relate to your focused research question and thesis. Personal interviews and surveys count as sources (you must include a breakdown of any survey/questionnaire, preferably as a visual, somewhere in your paper). I will be looking for these sources to be carefully integrated and analyzed! Source Integration is key and will show that you are truly leading the project.
- Your project must properly cite your sources in MLA or APA format.
- Project must fulfill the genre conventions, including length (12+ pages, not including title page or source page), type of information included, formatting, design, etc.
- Grammar, mechanics and punctuation must not get in the way of understanding content. PROOFREAD!!!