Unit 3 - Using the Research Process to Build an Argument
Overview of Unit 3
Attached Files: Transcript of Unit 3 video (12.691 KB)
Click here for video introduction
In Unit 3, you will choose a topic and work with it for the rest of the semester. The assignments in this unit are meant to take you step by step through the research process, from generating an idea to developing a well-thought-out claim based on research that you will use as the basis for the Researched Argument Essay you will write in Unit 4.
The culminating assignments in this unit are the Annotated Bibliography and the Exploratory Essay.
Unit 3 Topics and Objectives
This unit will focus on:
Selecting and narrowing a topic
Distinguishing issue questions from information questions
Developing your own issue question
Identifying information questions to answer as you pursue your issue question
Proposing a topic for the Researched Argument Essay
Generating and using search terms and keywords
Compiling an annotated bibliography of high-quality sources
Effectively integrating and documenting source material with your own ideas
Writing an exploratory essay in which you consider different viewpoints on
your issue question.
Objectives for Unit 3:
Demonstrate critical thinking by formulating an appropriate topic that allows multiple viewpoints
Generate questions about a topic to guide research and argumentation
Compare and synthesize viewpoints and information
Analyze rhetoric in selected sources
Practice integration and documentation of sources using standard MLA Support your own position on a topic using logic and other appeals
Reading List:
Chapters 7-9 of Practical Argument
Review Chapter 5 of Practical Argument
Library Resources, selected videos (also available in the left-hand menu)
Getting help:
It's a good idea to keep in touch with your instructor as you work through Unit
3. Feeling stuck is frequently part of the research process, but since each activity and assignment in this part of the course builds on the one before, please don't wait until you miss a deadline to ask for help if you need it.
Image source: "Person Behind Books" free stock photo by Pixabay licensed as free to use
This weekly folder contains a list of assignments to help you stay organized.
This weekly folder contains a list of assignments to help you stay organized.