Purpose: The purpose of this essay is to demonstrate the ability to develop an academic argument (not personal) based on your research of scholarly material (not based on your own personal bias, moral, and values.) You will research about your topic by using the library database on a topic of your choice. In every section of your essay, you will inform the audience, but your main goal is to explain the facts and details that led you to your argument. By writing this essay, you will show that you have mastered a complete (or close to complete) understanding of the topic, and that you are able to critically think about it.
Task: Select a topic related to a text in the reading schedule. You must incorporate at least one text from the reading schedule in your research paper. Look ahead in the reading schedule and read or watch any of the texts in advance. Research the topic using only sources found that are credible, reliable, relevant, and written by experts.
Prompt: Write an essay in which you:
a) Introduce the topic by giving the audience some historical background/context about this topic (using/referencing at least one scholarly source in this paragraph.) Before you can make an academic argument about a topic, you must briefly inform the reader about the topic by giving some general background and context about the topic.
b) Formulate a thesis statement regarding this topic (using your sources.)
c) Write informative, organized, and coherent body paragraphs with facts and perspectives that lend critical weight to your thesis statement. Be sure to include your critical thinking voice in regards to the facts and perspectives that you bring to each body paragraph.
