Learning Outcomes

This week students will:

Interpret academic resources in support of a contemporary research topic.

Examine philosophical theories of education and apply them to multicultural differences.

Explain how education influences the development of ethical and moral reasoning.

Outline the differences between various types of sources used for research.

Introduction

In Week Two, you were able to narrow down your Final Argumentative Essay topic on a specific global societal issue from the list provided. You also were able to discuss what ethical and moral reasoning means to you and gave a good example of how you were faced with an ethical dilemma. Being able to problem-solve in a methodical manner takes good critical thinking skills. Furthermore, you provided an evaluation of your skills using the Ashford University Library. It's very important to take the time to view several of the tutorials, so that you can narrow down your search for scholarly sources more efficiently.

During Week Three, you will continue utilizing your research skills by searching for scholarly sources on the global societal issue you have chosen for your Final Argumentative Essay. It's a good idea to start your search in the Ashford University Library, and ask the librarian for guidance if needed. This week you will also have the opportunity to discuss the differences between the various types of sources you may come across in your search. It's in your best interest to understand the difference between popular sources and scholarly sources. You will also demonstrate, through discussion, your understanding of specific philosophical theories of education from the required reading and reflect on how your general education courses have promoted ethical and moral reasoning, global citizenship, and cultural sensitivity. Finally, you will complete an annotated bibliography using at least five scholarly sources, which will also include an introductory paragraph with your thesis statement.

DISCUSTION 1

Prepare: Read the article A Portrait of the Teacher as Friend and Artist: The Example of Jean-Jacques Rousseau by Hunter McEwan (2011) from the Ashford University Library.

Reflect: As you take notes while reading this article, think about the importance of understanding the philosophy behind taking general education courses and how your courses have taught you to think more critically, build character, and become more open-minded to cultural differences, thereby paving the way for you to be successful in the career field you have chosen

Write: For this discussion you will address the following prompts:

Describe at least three ways a person can teach by example according to the article and provide a personal example in which you have demonstrated this concept.

Explain how "teaching by example" influences the development of ethical and moral reasoning as well as cultural sensitivity and awareness.

"Rousseau categorically denies the educational power of example" (p. 513). Explain your agreement or disagreement with Rousseau's philosophy of education as it applies to your experience in gaining knowledge

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length, which should include a thorough response to each prompt. You are required to provide in-text citations of applicable required reading materials and/or any other outside sources you use to support your claims. Provide full reference information of all sources cited at the end of your response. Please use correct APA format when writing in-text citations and references.

DISCUSSION

Prepare: In order to prepare for this assignment, view the following tutorial from the Ashford University Library:

Scholarly and Popular Sources

Reflect: Good research is a combination of many types of sources. Prior to taking this course, did you understand the differences between these sources and the importance of finding one type of resource over another?

Write: For this discussion, you will address the following prompts:

Explain at least five differences between popular and scholarly sources used in research.

Locate and summarize one peer-reviewed, scholarly source from the Ashford University Library and one popular source that pertain to your Final Argumentative Essay topic. In your summary of each article, comment on the following: biases, reliability, strengths, and limitations.
From the sources you summarized, list and explain at least five visual cues from the peer-reviewed, scholarly source that were not evident in the popular source.

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length, which should include a thorough response to each prompt. You are required to provide in-text citations of applicable required reading materials and/or any other outside sources you use to support your claims. Provide full reference information of all sources cited at the end of your response. Please use correct APA format when writing in-text citations and references.

ASSIGNMENT: 1000-1250

Introduction, Thesis Statement, and Annotated Bibliography

Prepare: To help with the preparation of your annotated bibliography, review the following tutorials and resources from the Ashford Writing Center:

Introduction Paragraph Guide
Thesis Statement tutorial
Annotated Bibliography tutorial
Sample Annotated Bibliography
Evaluating Sources

Reflect: Reflect back on the Week Two Discussion in which you shared with the class the global societal issue that you would like to further address. Explore critical insights that were shared by your peers and/or your instructor on the topic chosen and begin your search for scholarly sources with those insights in mind.

Write: For this assignment, review the Annotated Bibliography Formatting Guidelines and address the following prompts:

Introductory Paragraph to Topic: Refer to the Final Argumentative Essay guidelines for your topic selection. Write an introductory paragraph with at least 150 words, which clearly explains the topic, the importance of further research, and ethical implications.

Thesis statement: Write a direct and concise thesis statement, which will become the solution to the problem that you will argue or prove in the Week Five Final Argumentative Essay. A thesis statement should be a declarative statement that makes one point in 25 words or less.

The thesis statement must appear at the end of the introductory paragraph.

Annotated Bibliography: Develop an annotated bibliography to indicate the quality of the sources you have read. For each annotation, you need to summarize in your own words how the source contributes to the solution of the global societal issue. Your annotation should be one to two paragraphs long (150 words or more) and fully address the purpose, content, evidence, and relation to other sources you found on this topic. The annotated bibliography must include no less than five scholarly sources that will be used to support the major points of the Final Argumentative Essay. Critical thinking skills need to be demonstrated by accurately interpreting evidence used to support various positions of the topic.

The Introduction, Thesis Statement, and Annotated Bibliography Assignment

Must be 1,000 - 1,250 words in length (excluding the title and reference pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Must include a separate title page with the following:

Title of paper
Student's name
Course name and number
Instructor's name
Date submitted

Must use at least five scholarly sources.

Must document all sources in APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.