The final paper is a few weeks away, but now is the time to start putting it together. We will be doing a few steps each week in order to help you prepare for an 8-10 page paper. For step one, you will begin the process by choosing a topic and analyzing it.
This is a two-step assignment. Make sure you do both steps to get full credit.
Step 1: Choose a Topic
Complete this exercise in preparation for choosing a topic about which to write.
Find an article (opinion, commentary) that discusses an issue that resonates with you. The article should be on a topic that is debatable, that has more than one side, which is current, has gray areas, provokes a strong emotional reaction or is controversial.
Note: This issue will become the issue for your final paper, so choose this issue carefully.
Provide the full link or citation to your article.
Identify the topic in one phrase. It need not be a complete sentence at this point.
Examples:
Oil drilling in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge.”
“The role of the United States in international politics.”
“The AIDS epidemic and pharmaceutical companies.”
Note: The above are listed simply as examples. You are strongly encouraged to find an article on a topic of your own choice since you will be working on it for the duration of the class. Although your topic doesn’t have to be highly controversial, it must be something about which there has been dialogue or even disagreement. Remember, a good thesis causes tension and initiates the back-and-forth of intellectual dialogue.
Step Two:
In two paragraphs, summarize the article you read about your topic. Identify in one sentence each:
1. What was the author’s limited subject?
2. What was the author’s thesis?
Now, write a short, personal reaction to the piece. (One page) Write from an “experiential*” point-of-view.
*An experiential approach could be: What in my life so far led me to be interested/made mad/become involved with this issue? You can tell a story (narrative) from your life that illustrates why you became attracted to this issue. Be creative!
This is only an exercise to aid in finding a topic that truly interests you. You will be graded on the quality of your writing, and for following instructions.
Recap: For this assignment, you are to find an article that you are interested in doing your research paper about and provide the link. Then you are to write a two paragraph summary is of the article and a one-page reaction piece. Make sure you do all parts of the assignment.
