Argumentative Essay
Guidelines:
1) Students must write an argumentative philosophical essay on a topic relevant to any of the course themes. It is recommended, but not required, that you discuss your topic with me via email or in my office hours (or by appointment) so that I may provide suggestions and help to narrow down and clarify your topic.
2) Each student must select at least two academic sources besides the assigned course reading (e.g. peer-reviewed journal articles, books, or book chapters) to cite in their essay, and these sources must be approved by me (via email or hard copy) any time before the due date for the first draft of the essay. Students may incorporate and cite assigned course readings in their papers in addition to citing two other academic sources. Besides academic works, relevant news articles may be cited as needed, though these do not count as academic sources.
3) Essays must be at least 1200 words (not including bibliography), double-spaced, in Times New Roman 12-point font, with one-inch margins. Sources must be cited according to an official style of the student's choosing (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).
4) Essays must be argumentative. You should identify a position that you think needs to be challenged or modified in some way. Present the problem that you are dealing with as fairly and clearly as possible. Then, advance your own argument. Finally, raise at least one objection to your own position, and provide a response to this objection in defense of your view. Avoid "fluff," or unnecessary statements. Everything you write should be relevant to your topic.
Basic Essay Structure
I. Introduction
-Describe the problem on which you are focusing. What is the debate? Briefly summarize your position, the objection you are considering, and how you intend to respond to the objection.
II. Your Argument
-Present your own argument. You should aim to expand upon, reject, modify, or otherwise contribute to some aspect of an ongoing discussion.
III. Objection
-Set up the objection from your "opponent" as clearly and fairly as possible. Be sure to represent their position accurately (as if it were your own position). This objection can come from a real or imagined opposing side. Basically, you should present what you take to be the strongest and most legitimate objection to your own view.
IV. Your Response
-Provide a response to the objection in defense of your own position.
V. Conclusion