Assignment Sheet

Final Paper Length: 4-6 pages

This assignment requires you to consider a complex social problem and marshal convincing evidence to support an argument or position related to that problem.

The primary challenge of this assignment is to assert an explanation for a social problem and then gather and interpret multiple pieces of evidence that support your explanation, position or "stand." For this paper you will:

1. Choose a Problem and Position

Identify an aspect, perspective, argument, explanation or claim that you can make that relates to school violence, resegregation, or dropout. We created a list of possible claims on the first day of class. This aspect, perspective, argument, explanation or claim will be the focus of your paper.

You do not have to agree with the position you take. Sometimes you learn more about how to effectively support a claim or position when you take a stand diametrically opposed to your own beliefs. Clearly articulate your argument, position or "stand" in one sentence. The position is also the paper thesis.

EXAMPLE 1

Research Question: Why does high school dropout occur?

Some Possible Claims:

? High school dropout is caused in part because schools are inequitably funded

? High school dropout is caused in part because of the environment students grow up in

EXAMPLE 2

Research Question: How does school segregation impact students' schooling experiences?

Some Possible Claims:

? School segregation contributes to the achievement gap because it ensures inequitable learning opportunities

? School segregation prevents students from getting to understand a wide range of life circumstances and experiences

2. Gather and Summarize Evidence

Your paper must present evidence in support of your claim from several different sources. Be cautious as you compile information and ensure that each piece relates to the stand or claim that you make and that it says something different that adds new complexity or richness to your argument. Before you begin writing your paper you will gather the evidence listed below and write the summary pieces indicated. You will use these summary pieces in the drafting of your final paper. Evidence you gather must include but is not limited to:

? Summary of two scholarly articles/book chapters/research reports not already assigned for the course. Your 250 word summary must clearly articulate the findings of the article and describe how it supports your position or claim.

? Summary of two popular articles not already assigned for the course. The article must be a substantive piece published in a credible source (national newsmagazines, major newspapers, research organizations, education organizations, etc.). Again, your summary must include the findings of the article and articulate how it supports your position or claim.

? Brief Statement (150 words) about one piece of literature, poetry, piece of visual art (painting, drawing etc.), song, movie, or another multimedia resource that explains how it can be interpreted as reflecting the central point of view (your position, argument or "stand") to be expressed in the paper.

Please include complete bibliographic information for all of your sources in addition to hyperlinks to any source that you accessed electronically.

3. Draft Paper

Drawing on the elements listed above, draft a paper. Write a paper that has a clear argument that is interesting, logical and persuasive. It is important that you make sure that your stand or argument is clearly articulated in the paper and well supported by your evidence.

? Introduction and conclusion: You must introduce your position by clearly stating it, providing context as necessary and highlighting the evidence you assembled to support and illustrate it. At the end of the paper, the conclusion will reiterate your position or argument and key points of evidence you offered to support or illustrate it.

? Use the summaries of your evidence in drafting your paper. Use them to make a convincing and well supported argument supporting your position.

4. Final Paper

Following the peer review session in class, revise your paper. You will want to pay attention to peer feedback regarding your writing as well as the presentation of ideas or "substance" of your paper.

Attachment:- Position Paper Plan.rar