What are the best and worst practices for online learning? Should the drinking age be lowered to 18?

Introduction
For
Essay 3, you will research and write about an important or intriguing topic
that interests you. You may write this in the form of either arguing a
position, speculating about causes, or a proposing a solution (all of these
forms will involve stating a thesis and defending it).

Picking
the Topic
You
are encouraged to research a topic related to your major (especially if you are
a junior or senior), but this is not required. Note that while you will of
course draw on your previous knowledge, you will need to write an original
essay for this course.

Questions
for brainstorming: What is a hot topic in your field at the moment? In the
past students have written on topics such such as, What does sustainable
fashion design look like? What does inclusive game design look like? Is there a
future for deconstructionist philosophy in architecture? Will streaming kill
the film industry or save it? etc.

Alternately,
what events, issues, or topics have interested you lately? In the past,
students have written about movies/comics/books/games, fashion, education,
sports, health issues, animal issues, how to spend money/time, etc. What are
the best and worst practices for online learning? Should the drinking age be
lowered to 18? How can companies better serve employees on the autism spectrum?
etc.
Process

1.
Look
up sources on this topic. What are people currently saying about this topic?
What types of sources would be the most relevant for this topic? You must
have at least 2 academic sources. We will go over how to find these in
class 11/4.

2.
Are
you more interested in arguing a position on this topic, exploring the causes
behind a phenomenon, or proposing a solution or solutions in regard to this
topic?

3.
Step
outside the box. What criticisms could someone bring up about your position you
are arguing, your proposed causes, or your proposed solutions?

Criteria you’ll be graded on

A focused, well-defined issue,
phenomenon, or problem
·
A
few of paragraphs or so laying out the issue, phenomenon, or problem your paper
focuses on
·
A
thesis stating your position, preferred causes(s), or solution
A well-supported position or causal analysis with properly
synthesized sources
·
Several
paragraphs in which you argue to support your thesis’s assertions An
understanding of and effective response to objections and/or alternative causes
with properly synthesized sources
A paragraph/section of
objections and/or alternative causes, in which you concede that others might
justifiably find fault with your causes.
·
Anticipates
and effectively responds to readers’ objections and/or alternative causes
·
A
“nevertheless” section, in which you respond to the objections(s) and/or
alternative causeswhile reaffirming your own position.
A clear, logical organization
·
Paragraphs
and sections are properly laid out and have effective flow and logic
·
Effective
topic and “wrap up” sentences
·
Transition
words
·
Appropriate
use of headings, if applicable
An engaging, mature writing
style and proper APA formatting
·
Title
page, References page, proper page header format, and in-text citations

Sources: minimum of 5, (minimum of 2 academic)

Page length: 8-10 main text (plus title page,
abstract, and References: 11-13 page document)

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