You need to complete this task in strict accordance with the detailed Requirements/Guidelines.

Individual Assignment. Argumentative Essay. “Smartphones in our lives”

This assignment is interconnected to class activities and other assignments. Stage 1 of this assignment acts as a preamble for Stage 2, and also as preparation for the “Argumentative Writing Workshop”, on June 5, week 5, by Amanda Goldrick-Jones, SFU writing services coordinator.

This assignment is also connected to the “Author Authority, Information Literacy” assignment. Stage 1 of the present assignment and the Information Literacy assignment are both due on the same day/time.

STAGE 1 of this assignment relies on using the DMap or DM tool (Dialectical Map), developed by researchers at SFU, Faculty of Education. The tool provides a visualization of dialectical maps facilitating the organization and representation of arguments. Very briefly, the tool allows constructing reasons that support and oppose a thesis or claim, provide evidence and warrants that support or oppose the reasons, and compose a conclusion that resolves arguments and counterarguments, thus allowing a deeper planning and understanding of the components of the argument.

You are encouraged to participate in the DMap training workshops (scheduled during week #4, during “Conversation with TA” times – check the times and rooms in Canvas) and/or follow the DMap self-guided tutorial, as well as complete a (non-graded) DMap practice assignment. Check in the course Canvas website: the Module “DMap tutorial” and the practice Assignment (not graded) “Tutorial DMap”. Notice that to use the DMap tool you need to use Chrome as opposed to other browsers.

STAGE 2. For this stage you submit the argumentative essay.

A picture with a partial calendar is provided, outlining deadlines and scheduled workshops associated to this assignment and to the Author Authority and Information Literacy assignment.

OBJECTIVES.

This writing assignment (the two stages) and associated workshops will help you to...

--think critically and analytically about how an aspect of computerized/networked technology (smartphones) can be humanizing, dehumanizing, or both

--communicate persuasively and concisely to a general educated audience (e.g., SFU community)

--raise broader awareness about this technology and its possible implications

--synthesize your own arguments and conclusions based on evidence, including readings and research sources.

This assignment has two stages:

Stage 1:

Stage 2:

You may optionally develop a new DMap including additional reasons or evidence for your claim. A blank DMap will be provided to that avail as an non-graded assignment.

For the stage 2 you are asked to write an argumentative essay about some aspect of the topic "Smartphones in our lives". You should clearly convey your position, and develop the argument concluding with your position or perspective that explains your own views, supported by the reasons and evidence presented in your DMap.

Consider that your readers are members of the SFU community who are not in computer science.

You are expected to provide solid support for your position, based on at least the four different sources as described above. You may also use other articles connected to this topic and possibly articles discussed in class so far. You will have to consider at least two alternatives (or counterargument or differing points of view) to your own position.

Summary of requirements, rubric:

STAGE 1:

The DMap will be marked for completion only, although feedback will be provided. To be considered complete, your DMap must include one or two (1 or 2) sentences expressing your claim, two (2) arguments or reasons in favour, two (2) arguments or reasons against, and corresponding evidence, warrants and draft conclusion.

As indicated above, two (2) of the sources may be Renstrom’s article and the article you find in the Information Literacy assignment.

Read in advance the Powerpoint that will be provided Class activities will give you opportunities to strengthen your pro and con reasons and associated evidence, integrate your sources effectively in well-developed paragraphs, you’re your introduction, and learn how to improve the overall structure and clarity of your paper. Based on these activities, you'll then complete, revise, and polish your draft.

STAGE 2:

For Stage 2 , you need to submit your essay. Additionally (optionally, if that is helpful for you) you may work on another DMap with additional evidence and/ or reasons, that were not included in the Stage 1 DMap.

RUBIC FOR THE ESSAY:

The essay should be approximately 800 to 1000 words. The essay should ...

--give sufficient context or background for your topic in the introduction

--convey a clear central position or perspective about your topic/issue

--give sound, reasons for the position or perspective you are taking

--develop your central position and reasons using evidence from appropriate sources

--consider at least two alternatives or differing point of view

--convey some sense in the conclusion of why this matters (so what? what's next? what if?)

The essay will be evaluated according to...

I. Argumentation:

Introduction engages readers with the topic and gives sufficient background/context

The thesis clearly conveys your position about the issue

Your supporting arguments are coherent, organized, and connected to the thesis

The paragraphs develop your arguments clearly with credible evidence

Counter-arguments or alternative positions are fairly considered

Conclusion concisely summarize the arguments and suggests why this issue matters

II. Depth:

Readings and other sources are appropriate, relevant, and incorporated ethically

Arguments show evidence of critical/analytical thinking—not merely summarization

The piece encourages greater awareness of this topic/issue

III. Professionalism:

Paragraphs are coherent and focused (topic / development-evidence / explanation)

Sentences are clear, grammatical, and easy for readers to follow

Word-choice is appropriate; specialized terms are explained

Style is concise, vivid, and inclusive--no inappropriate bias

The paper is free of major or distracting errors

All sources used are correctly cited (APA formatting)

IV. Formatting:

Follow the APA style to format the whole essay, the citations, and the references. You do not have to submit an abstract nor keywords.

For guidelines about formatting: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/1/