Assignment

Task:

During this assignment, you will use everything you have learned this semester to create a research-based argumentative paper. We have been critics and have analyzed arguments, as well as created our own argument based on class readings. This research paper will require you to make a claim and do outside research on your topic in order to obtain support and gain credibility.

For this essay, you will choose a "norm" in society (this can be any culture/society) and approach the topic by taking a stance and forming an argument. There are multiple aspects of norms you can choose from to argue as long as you are clear and implement the argumentative techniques and writing strategies we have examined during the course.

You can reference/cite authors we have already read (Curra, Johnson, Devor, Davis), but you must find at least two other academic sources to use and have a total of at least five academic sources. (Wikipedia is NOT an academic source because it can be edited by anyone and therefore we cannot be sure that a professional in the topic's specific field has written it. Do not use Wikipedia as a source in your essay.)

This assignment asks you to make a clear claim and support it with evidence from sources. Please keep in mind that this is your argument and the sources are only used to support it, not to take control of your paper. Be sure to reference/cite the authors in MLA format and include a Works Cited page. This assignment should be 6-8 pages in length (not including the Works Cited page).

Audience:

Your readers are your peers and instructor. Use your essay to convince your readers of your argument.