Philosophy 347-Critical Thinking, Reasoning -Argumentative Paper

PART1 (WEEK1)Introduction Over the eight weeks of the course, you will work on a paper that addresses a current controversial issue. This paper is to be in the form of an argument. You will select a topic, choose an issue related to that topic, thoroughly research both sides of the issue, and then write a paper that supports one side or the other of the issue. Your paper must define the issue, present evidence on both sides of the issue, and then argue that one side is stronger and more persuasive than the other. Your paper must address at least three relevant aspects of the issue. More specific directions for each part of the paper will be found within the specific assignment in the weekly modules.Here is a brief breakdown of the project so that you can plan your time in the course:Instructions Topic: Abortion as a crime

• State the topic (Abortion as a crime)


• State the specific issue you will explore. 


• This must be stated either as a question ("Should prostitution be legalized?") or a whether-or-not statement ("Whether prostitution should be legalized").


• For the stated issue, state three (3) aspects of the issue that you think you will likely develop in your paper. Briefly state why you have chosen each aspect. 


• You are not confined to three aspects only, but you must develop at least three. As you develop your paper, you may find other aspects that you deem more relevant, and may add or substitute those. 


• Example: For the topic of prostitution, you might examine the aspect of personal autonomy, public health aspects, and law enforcement aspects, at a minimum.


• Example: For the topic of free healthcare for undocumented persons, you might address economic aspects, ethical aspects, and public health aspects, at a minimum. 

PART 2 (WEEK3)Introduction This week you continue to work on your paper that addresses a current controversial issue. This paper is to be in the form of an argument. You have selected a topic and chosen issues related to that topic; this week, you will thoroughly research both sides of the issues you have chosen. Keep in mind that your paper must define the issue, present evidence on both sides of the issue, and then argue that one side is stronger and more persuasive than the other. Your paper must address at least three relevant aspects of the issue. More specific directions for each part of the paper will be found within the specific assignment in the weekly modules; the assignment this week is to research both the pro and con sides of the issues you have chosen to address.Here is a brief breakdown of the project so that you can plan your time in the course:Week 1Topic Selection Week 3 Issue Review (both sides)Week 5Thesis & Annotated Bibliography (both sides)Week 7Argumentative PaperInstructions This week, you will conduct an issue review for your selected topic for your project. Present a brief report of your research on both sides of the issue. This should include the following:

• Citation of your sources


• Links to the sources where available


• Brief description of the content of each of the sources (50 to 80 words for each source)

Your research review should address at least three (3) aspects of the issue that is the subject of your paper and must present at least one pro and one con article review on each aspect. Sources should be scholarly or of very high substantive quality.Click on the following link to view an example. The first aspect is written out completely, with APA citation and brief description of content. The next two aspects should be completely written out by you in your report, including correct APA citation and brief description of content. Link: Example Issue ReviewBecause the topics vary widely, the nature of your research will also vary. If you are writing about gene therapy, for example, you will have to support your points with scholarly medical opinion. You may need to review researching techniques. Visit the research links provided in the Required Resources section in this activity for more information.Writing Requirements (APA format)

• Length: 1-2 pages (not including title page)


• 1-inch margins


• Double spaced


• 12-point Times New Roman font


• Title page


• References page

PART3 (WEEK5)Introduction You have arrived at the third part of the Course Project. By this week, you should have collected the sources that you need to support, with relevant evidence, the position you have taken on the issue you chose, and the three aspects of the issue you will write about. This week you will submit a thesis statement and an annotated bibliography of at least five sources that you will use in your paper.Here is a brief breakdown of the project so that you can plan your time in the course:Week 1Topic SelectionWeek 3Issue Review (both sides) Week 5Thesis & Annotated Bibliography (both sides)Week 7

Argumentative PaperInstructions This week, submit the following:

• A thesis statement stating your opinion/conclusion on the issue, the supporting points you will offer and at least one relevant opposing view you will address.


• An annotated bibliography with evaluation of at least five (5) sources you intend to use in your final paper to support your claim. 


• These are sources that provide evidence to support that your claim should be accepted by the reader.


• Scholarly sources are preferred and should be used where available; due to the nature of some of the topics, authoritative articles in very high quality substantive journals may also be acceptable.

Use the Source Evaluation Worksheet to determine the following:

• If your source is current


• If it is not current, explain why you think it is acceptable.


• If your source is credible, reliable, and authoritative


• How well your source supports your thesis


• If the annotation does not make this obvious, explain to your instructor how you will use it.


• If your support is popular


• If it is, explain to your instructor why you think it is acceptable.

Prepare a citation, annotation, and evaluation for each source.Click on the following link for an example:Link: How to Complete the Source Evaluation WorksheetWriting Requirements (APA format)

• Length: 100-150 words per source for Part 1; 50-80 words per source for Part 2 (not including title page or references page)


• 1-inch margins


• Double spaced


• 12-point Times New Roman font


• Title page


• References pag

PART4 ( WEEK7)Introduction This week, all the hard work you have done in researching your topic and issue will come to fruition in your argumentative paper. Once you feel you have got the final draft, try to put the paper aside, even for a few hours, and then read it again.

• Did you address at least three aspects of the issue you chose?


• Does each aspect have relevant and authoritative evidence in support of your point?


• Have you included a view that is in opposition to your viewpoint, and have you answered that opposing view, pointing out its flaws in such a way as to refute it?

Edit your paper – look for wordiness, repetition, vagueness, ambiguities. Check the organization of the paper as a whole; make sure each paragraph maintains focus. After you are satisfied that the content of your paper is good, carefully proofread it and correct mechanical errors.Here is a brief breakdown of the project so that you can plan your time in the course:Week 1Topic SelectionWeek 3Issue Review (both sides)Week 5Thesis & Annotated Bibliography (both sides)Week 7

Argumentative PaperInstructions This week, you will complete your argumentative paper. Following the directions in assigned textbook reading on how write an argumentative essay on the issue you chose in Week 1. Be sure your essay contains the following:

• An opening paragraph that states a clear thesis that is focused, plausible, and arguable and that gives direction and purpose to the paper


• A fair-minded, balanced, and objective development of the pros and cons of the issue in a well-organized sequence of ideas, free of mechanical errors


• Credible, reliable, and authoritative evidence in support of the points made


• A strong conclusion that summarizes your views, reminds the audience of the issue and its importance, and shows in brief that you have successfully defended your thesis

Note As you do your research, it is permissible to change your sources. Also, because of the recency and relevance of these issues, no sources older than 5 years should be used other than as historical information. Critical thinkers do the research first and then side with the preponderance of evidence. You might want to follow that principle.Writing Requirements (APA format)

• Length: 4-6 pages (not including title page or references page)


• 1-inch margins


• Double spaced


• 12-point Times New Roman font


• Title page


• References page