Discussion
Project 4: Argumentative Essay
WHAT WE'RE DOING Writing a essay that argues about the ethical considerations of high- tech multi-domain weapons
HOW WE'RE DOING IT An essay of at least 1100 words which uses at least four sources from which you draw information
WHY WE'RE DOING IT To practice research skills in finding information To practice developing your ideas with information you've gathered To discover and critically think about important ideas To develop ethical thinking and responsibility To synthesize ideas from material you've read To practice argumentation and thesis-based writing To communicate your thinking in a clear and effective way
WHEN WE'RE DOING IT Writing Center Draft - 11:59 pm,25 March Teacher Draft - 11:59 pm, 1 April Final Draft - 11:59 pm, 15 April
WHAT IT HAS TO DO Answer the following question using an argumentative thesis: Are the weapons of multi- domain warfare, specifically, unmanned drones, artificial intelligence, and online manipulation, ethical for use? Explain the criteria you are using to decide whether or not something is ethical Explain why you believe these types of weapons are/are not ethical (you might think some are and some aren't) Explain when use of these types of weapons would/would not be ethical. Be at least 1100 words long (you can have more). Use at least four sources in the essay - these sources must be explicitly referenced and cited in- text. (You may use more.) Have a works cited page - all sources must be put on the works cited page.
HOW I'LL GRADE IT
40 points
WHAT IT'S WORTH 200 points, or 20% of your course grade.
40 points
30 points
40 points
Assignment features an argumentative thesis statement and an argument that answers the question of ethics with high- tech multi-domain weapons, considering all aspects of the assignment sheet. Assignment is organized in a clear, straightforward, and logical manner, following an appropriate organization pattern, and without losing focus from the overall topic.
Assignment conforms to standard edited American English and MLA standard guidelines of citation and formatting.
NOTES TO SELF
A FEW NOTES Drafts submitted to the Writing Center and to me are worth 10 Low-Risk Writing points each. Late papers are penalized 10% for each day late, including the day it was due. Assignments not following the instructions will receive an automatic zero.
Assignment uses appropriate academic style, relying on formal language and tone, while still remaining understandable to the reader.
Assignment relies on credible sources that are well- integrated and which are appropriately attributed and cited, clearly showing where ideas came from.
25 points
Rather than having a revision opportunity, you'll submit a draft to me for feedback before it is graded for a final draft.
25 points Assignment works toward clarity of language, ensuring that each topic and each sentence are easily understandable
Tip: Don't just look for sources that talk about these new kinds of weapons. Look for sources that can give you some guidance about ethics and ethical considerations, even if they don't mention these weapons.
Tip: This isn't about whether or not these weapons are ethical for the United States to use. It's whether they're ethical for any country to use; remember, these weapons could be used against you too.