outline for reaser
Part 1 of Research Assignment
An overview of expectations and approaches
Two Key functions of Part 1
Provide History & Background - this may focus on:
the topic/issue (i.e. ‘gun violence’, SM addiction, gender roles/expectations) and/or
the community (teen students, refugees, climate scientists) and/or
a blend of the two (Technology in teaching = background on ‘teaching’/traditional classroom, and history on tech in the classroom).
Explore the Causes of the ‘Issue’ and/or ‘Proof’ of Issue – this may focus on:
Direct causes of the problem – most likely can’t cover all.
Aspects driving/creating the issue or conflict.
Think about causes in relation to ‘community’ and in relation to effects/solutions to come later.
Another option is to provide ‘proof’ in a sense that the issue exists.
History & Background - Pointers
May be broad like a general overview of info -> help reader understand the ‘basics’.
May include (open with?) an engaging individual ‘story’ (like a ‘case example’) to engage the reader.
Could use (open with?) a ‘key historical event’, again as a way to interest the audience.
Careful with ‘scope’ – don’t go too far back in history; keep things relevant.
Areas of this section could be ‘source-heavy’ or may only present your thinking…
Depending on the choices you make, History/Background could be 2-4 paragraphs in length.
Paragraphs won’t necessarily follow PIES…
Identify Specific Causes of Issue and/or ‘Proof’ of Issue
Be sure to focus on a single, specific cause per paragraph in this section.
Most likely ‘causes’ will be numerous, so select those you find most important, especially in terms of the community you have focused on and the effects/solutions you will offer.
May have to be a little creative – some issues may not have ‘obvious’ causes. Some topics may require or allow for paragraphs aimed at ‘proving’ the issue -> informing (showing) your audience the issue(s) related to your topic as a way to convince them the issue(s) exists.
Don’t discuss the ‘effects’ or ‘solutions’ to this message! – This will be the purpose of Part 2
Use of text support will be effective, but your own analysis of ‘a cause’ is also key. Therefore, the general structure of PIES will be expected.
Depending on the choices you make, 2-4 paragraphs will be appropriate.
Overview of Possible Part I Topics
Depending on your topic and what you want to focus on, here are some of the ‘general purposes’ your paragraphs may have in Part I:
History or informing on background related to topic/issue/community
Causes of the issue
‘Proving the Issue’ - informing on and making clear what the issue(s) is/are -> but be careful to avoid discussion of ‘effects’ from issue (save that for Part II).
Concession/Rebuttal points – paragraphs that highlight and concede an (a single) opposition or differing point of view on the issue followed by your ‘rebuttal’ of the point (check handout on Canvas).
Intro Paragraph? – Options in Presenting your thesis
There are 3 main approaches to presenting your thesis:
‘Traditional’ Intro – similar to Essay I and II, you may produce an introduction paragraph at the very beginning of Part I, after the History/BG, or as the last paragraph of Part I.
‘Preview-Focused’ Intro – Because my Part I effectively explores and sets up topic, I will include a paragraph that ‘previews’ key ideas to come (causes, effects, solutions – depending on the individual paper) presented after the history/background or as the last paragraph of Part I.
No ‘Introduction’ – History/BG and ‘Cause’ section effectively sets up topic and previews what’s to come as planned. Therefore, I will just add my ‘thesis’ to a specific paragraph concluding the History/BG section or at the end of the last paragraph of Part I.
Review of Guidelines and Expectations of Part 1
A minimum of 3 and maximum of 5 pages.
The use of 3-5 sources (remember both parts should total in the 6-10 sources range).
Focused on relating info on the “Background & History” and “Causes”.
Outline of P1 due on Monday, May 14th w/ rough draft of P1 due on May 21st.