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Your final project for this course will occur in three parts, each with a grade. Please read the instructions carefully, ask questions early, and pay attention to due dates. There will be NO LATE WORK for this assignment – the window to grade and input final grades is too short to allow for late submissions.

Step 1: An argument

You will pick a contemporary issue that creates divisiveness when discussed. This issue should be a political or social issue that has relevance and implications for populations aside from you. Once you have selected an issue, you will develop a position paper supporting or opposing the issue. Your argument should include an easily identifiable claim, at least three warrants to support the claim, and backing for each warrant. Your supporting material should include a variety of evidence types, and should NOT be based on biased, far-leaning news outlets (left or right). While you are not being graded on your political opinions, you need to make sure you are supporting your ideas, not simply expressing your beliefs with no formalization.

Step 2:

Create a rebuttal to your position paper in step 1. Your rebuttal should include a claim, a refutation of the warrants you used in the position paper, and at least one new warrant supporting the rebuttal. Again, this rebuttal should include a variety of evidence types, avoiding far-leaning biased sources. It should directly oppose your position paper and be structured in a way that would cause a shift in attitude for individuals who support your position paper.

Step 3: An analysis of the importance of Argument

Using the position paper and your rebuttal, discuss why argumentation is necessary and important in society. Your analysis should include at least three specific theory elements from the course and should address the use of the argumentative tools you learned about in this course. This is an evaluation of your understanding of course content AND your ability to apply that knowledge in practical ways.

The final paper should be submitted using Word upload, including the cover page, and must include 10-15 sources (three of which must be file and Influencing through argument files and the URL http://changingminds.org/disciplines/argument/syllogisms/ syllogisms.htm) that are used both as text citations and in APA format on the reference page (this includes the course material in Part 3). You should plan to include a short discussion of your chosen issue, explain why the issue is socially or politically relevant, and provide some background on the issue. Position papers and rebuttals should use supporting materials to detail the aspects you support or refute. Section 3 is where you demonstrate your knowledge of the theoretical elements of this course - this is where we assess your ability to apply what you have learned. Remember, more words do not make a better argument - be concise and focus on crafting a strong argument rather than exaggerating your work with unnecessarily lengthy words.