DISCUSSION 1:

English Composition II

Topic Selection for Researched Argument

This discussion begins your preparation for the researched argument paper (rough draft due W6 and final draft due W8) by focusing on selecting and narrowing a topic. A researched argument paper requires a topic that is controversial; this means that there is more than one viewpoint on the topic.

Your initial post should respond to the following discussion elements:

Step 1: Topics and Questions

• List three topics that interest you
• Write at least one question about each of the topics (remember: who, what, where, when, why, and how)

Step 2: Answering your questions

The answers you provide to the questions help develop and focus a thesis for a researched argument

• Answer one of the questions you posed for each of the three topics chosen.
• The answers to the questions should be a statement/sentence that contains the words “should,” “must,” or “need” as a helping verb.

Step 3: Expand upon one topic.

• Write a paragraph or two based on what you already know about this topic.
• Try to come up with several points (or reasons) why your statement (aka thesis) is true.
• Tip: Think about how someone would try to prove your thesis isn’t true.

DISUCSSION 2:

English Composition II

Stereotyping

In this week’s discussion forum, we will be summarizing a published work, and examining different viewpoints regarding the controversial topic of stereotyping.

Finding a source

Find the following article:

Lun, J., Sinclair, S., & Cogburn, C. (2009). Cultural stereotypes and the self: A closer examination of implicit self-stereotyping. Basic & Applied Social Psychology, 31(2), 117-127. doi:10.1080/01973530902880340

Summarizing a published work

Your initial post should respond to each of following discussion elements:

Step 1: Summarizing a source

Write a brief summary of the argument presented in the article above. Remember that summaries do not go into great detail. Your summary should have enough information for the reader to understand the focus (thesis) of the article and how the author supports the thesis. Your summary should contain all the following elements:

• Introduce the article by its author and title
• Explain the author’s argument (what does the author claim and what are the supporting reasons)
• What the does article tell us about individuality or identity?
• Use in-text citations to identify when you are using the author’s ideas.
• Quote a passage that struck you as interesting or enlightening and explain why.
• 1. Introduce the quotation carefully with a signal phrase, such as, “Lun, Sinclair, & Cogburn explain that…”, and
  2. Include an in-text citation including a page number to cite your quotation.

Step 2: Examining Different Viewpoints

One of the most interesting things about stereotypes is how they can affect the actions of those who have been stereotyped. Think of a stereotype you’re familiar with.

• Which came first, the label or the trait?
• How can the things that other people say about us affect who we become?

Step 3: Create a References Page

At the end of your discussion post, create a references page:

• Type the word “References”
• Enter a line break
• Provide the full citation (in APA format) for your selected text.

DISCUSSION 3:

English Composition II

Civil Disobedience

This discussion forum explores a controversial topic: Civil Disobedience. Remember that any argument asks (or perhaps challenges) us to change something about our perspective on a topic or issue. If we are asking our readers to change their perspectives, we need to be persuasive and civil. Likewise, when we are challenged by others with a different opinion, we need to keep an open mind and keep our responses persuasive and civil.

Finding Sources

Select either Option A or Option B for a selection of articles to read for this discussion forum.

Option A: Civil Disobedience and Non-violence

1. King, M. (2009). Letter from Birmingham Jail. Letter from Birmingham Jail, 1.
2. Brown, T. M., & Fee, E. (2008). Spinning for India’s Independence. American Journal Of Public Health, 98(1), 39.
3. Perlin, R. (2015). Two Occupys: Dissent (00123846), 62(3), 92-100.

Option B: Civil Disobedience in Cyberspace

1. Ludlow, P. (2013). Hacktivist Witch Hunt. Nation, 297(26/27), 23-26.
2. Iltan, C. (2011). Moving targets. Maclean’s, 124(33/34), 63.
3. Dunion, K. (2011). Viewpoint: In defense of Freedom of Information. Information Polity: The International Journal Of Government & Democracy In The Information Age, 16(2), 93-96. doi:10.3233/IP-2011-0233

Be sure to address all of the following elements in your initial post:

Step 1: Summarize.

Summarize the articles you picked. Write one paragraph. Identify the sources by title and author in your paragraph.

1. What is the main thesis of each?
2. How are they are they different and how are they similar?

Step 2: Using sources to support your argument (point of view).

Now, discuss your perspective of the topic. Support your statements by citing supportive evidence from the articles you read. Remember to use appropriate citations when you quote, paraphrase or summarize. Write one paragraph. Here are some questions you can use as a starting point for your one-paragraph discussion.

1. What is your opinion of the content and the topic? For a researched argument, you would support your opinion by using supporting information from the article. Use in-text citations if you quote, summarize, or paraphrase.
2. Was the article persuasive? How?
3. What reaction did you have to the content of the article? Draw upon personal experience or use other sources to support your discussion.

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