For Paper #3, pick one of the textbook articles we’ve read thus far — review the “Course Calendar” on your syllabus (from pages 5 through 8, Weeks One through Seven) to see all of the textbook readings that have been assigned.
Pick one piece, and start researching in the Truman library databases to find relevant sources and ideas. Given our discussion of the reading in class, can you find articles that connect to the topic or topics covered in the textbook essay? Can you find sources that explain and expand upon the assigned reading?
Pursue research in the following areas, and make sure you look for sources from within the past ten years: 1. a database reference source (preferably the Encyclopedia Britannica), 2. a database journalism (news) article, 3. a database scholarly-journal article, and 4. any relevant web site outside of Truman’s databases (remember that the databases also provide outside web-site references for more info, for example Opposing Viewpoints).
Once you have completed your research, start drafting an argumentative research paper that responds to and expands on the textbook essay while developing your own argument.
DRAFT MAP
• INTRO: Start by identifying the textbook essay that prompted your research and that essay’s main argument or claim. Briefly discuss the topic or topics at the heart of the piece, and move toward your own thesis statement that clearly establishes your position. With respect to the textbook essay, you may agree or disagree with the author, agree with one aspect of the essay while disagreeing with another, or develop your own original position on one of the main ideas or topics discussed by the textbook author. This paper will prove your thesis through current database research. (For the intro, develop 1 to 2 paragraphs that lead toward a clearly established thesis.)
• BODY:
A. Reference Source – one to two paragraphs of sum and analysis, to establish some facts about the topic. Focus your analysis specifically on how the source contributes to or helps prove your thesis.
B. News Article – one paragraph of brief sum followed by one paragraph of analysis and interpretation focused on how the source helps prove your thesis
C. Journal Article – same as “B” above.
D. Web Site – same as “B” above.
E. Identify and respond to counter-arguments regarding your position —you may also refer to parts of your research that bring up counter-arguments or refutation of your ideas and parts of your research that help you respond to those counter-arguments. (2 to 3 ¶s)
• CONCLUSION: End with one to two paragraphs that conclude your case, and finalize the argument with a thesis re-statement.