You know how to break down the argument that someone else is offering, but what about creating your own? We’ve been practicing skills of source incorporation, creating strong thesis statements, and organizing your writing, and these will come together in the argument paper—an essay where you truly “take a position” in an ongoing conversation!

How will I write the argument paper?

In your essay, you will structure your argument around the question: “Is technology more helpful or more harmful to humans?” This question should be your starting point, and you should narrow your focus to a topic that can be handled in an (approximately) 5-page essay; explaining all the harms and benefits of all different technologies is both impossible and impractical. The topic of the argument you make is up to you. As you brainstorm, you might consider harms, benefits, texting, computers, health sciences, education, social media, politics, entertainment, war, environment- the door is open.

Example theses that build off of the question and narrows in on a specific topic might read: 

· “Technology’s development has been integral to life-saving measures in the medical field, and, despite its social harms, technology continues to be overwhelmingly positive for humans.”

· “Visual and computer-based technologies, while allowing the film industry to expand the worlds it builds, has dramatically decreased the quality of media created today; heavy reliance on CGI has cheapened storylines and human element that is crucial to an enduring film.”

· “Social media has played a decisive role in political engagement across the globe since its inception; though social media can allow for the easy spread of misinformation, its function as a tool for organizing, especially for teen and young-adult users, has had an overall positive effect towards the spread of democracy.”

As support, you will use evidence from at least one of the readings from the “Technology and Science” theme of our textbook (see page xi in ENG 111 Reader). You will also use two outside sources for this paper.

We will begin the writing process together by learning about the methods of argumentative writing, as well as doing a couple readings about technology. We will also learn research strategies and how to locate and vet sources, and we will learn how to work the library databases. On your own time, you should peruse additional readings from your text and from the library in order to craft an informed, nuanced thesis. Take into consideration that, during the course of your paper, you will need to prove the thesis you offer, as well as consider any counter-points or count-arguments to the claim you make.

After you have gathered some information and notes, you will want to begin thinking about the conversation as a whole and asking yourself how you feel about technology and what about the topic interests you- on what topic could you write a longer paper?

From here, you will begin drafting! Remember, your opinion may change over time, so we want to keep a “working thesis statement” and be open to adjustment as you read more and give more time to your ideas.

Your audience for this essay consists of a wide range of people with very different backgrounds- a wider, general group who is willing to be convinced by your opinion on technology. By the end of your essay, the audience should be convinced of your position.

What do I need to do to be successful?

In order to write a successful position paper, there are a few things I require from you:

-Demonstrate an understanding of source inclusion and fair representation of ideas (providing counter-arguments, not taking information out of context, citing sources correctly, etc.).

-Have a thesis statement which takes a stance and offers some insight on technology’s impact. The thesis should also meet our thesis requirements from the RfW.

-Show an awareness of the appropriate audience, especially through a useful organizational structure and use of third person only (no first/second person except in the hook, and no informal language like contractions).

-Write 1500-1800 words on your topic. (Draft= 1100 words) 

-Include at least one of the optional sources from your book, and include at least two additional, researched sources that meet our requirements for strong sources. You should have no more than one block (long) quotation.

-Correctly format and submit an essay that adheres to MLA guidelines, including a works cited page.

-Attend and participate in writing workshops.

What skills does the argument paper give me?

The position paper is designed to meet SLOs 1-10. A full description these outcomes can be found on your syllabus.

This paper is your best foundation for argument. You’ve already been voicing your opinion in this class, and you provided a thesis in previous essays, but this is your chance to offer a more original take on a topic and prepare for upper-level assignments.

Due date: Essay 3: Argument is due ­­­on the date assigned at 11:59PM. The essay should be submitted online through Blackboard’s SafeAssign in a .doc or .docx Microsoft Word document. Late papers are allowed up to three days late, after which time they will no longer be accepted, per the syllabus.

This paper has some similarities with The Aging Simulation, the critical difference of this assignment now requires that you observe and interview live people. This time you will sharpen your skills of observation and interviewing while relating relevant theories to these observations. You will utilize relevant sources and theoretical material to understand the development your interviewee describes. You will construct a set of 15 open ended questions relevant to your population based on your readings and research which guide you through the interview. 

Please select one population you want to interview; young adult, mid-life, or older adult. You will be required to interview a standardized client in the Simulation Lab for 25-30 minutes. Following the interview, you will be asked to meet with your Standardized Client for feedback. This session is usually about 5 minutes. The reflection and simulated life span interview will be 20% of the grade you earn on your Life Span Interview paper. 

Young Adult

You will interview a young adult 18-30 years of age. You will interview the young adult in a simulated situation letting the client describe the process of emerging from parental oversight into the role of an adult. Use open ended questions such as, “How has your relationship with your parents changed since you have started to become more independent?” or “What factors have influenced your decisions about career, college or work?” or “What are things that have been difficult finding and building close relationships?” You will be able to fashion other questions as well after reading your text and related Canvas materials. 

Adult in Midlife

You will interview a middle-aged adult 40-55 years old. Your simulated interview should explore the changing family life cycle, including aging parents, shifting patterns in a long term partnership/marriage and children leaving home. It can also include open ended questions such as “How have you started planning for retirement?” or “What do you think it means to be in the prime of life?” or “How would you describe your adult sibling relationships?” You will be able to fashion other questions as well after reading your text and related Canvas materials. 

Older Adult

You will interview an older adult. You will interview the individual for 25-30 minutes and let the person tell the story of his or her life to you. You can use open ended questions such as, “Tell me about your childhood?” or “What are some of the things you are most proud of that you have done in your life?” or “What are some experiences that you think really made you who you are?” You will be able to fashion other questions as well after reading your class materials. 

General Paper Outline

• 1 page, briefly explain how your interviewee sees him/herself in the general environment, as well as in the various components of his or her micro, mezzo and macro systems.
• Developmental description.2 pages, describe your observations about this person’s biological, psychological, and social development. If there are any, note any discrepancies between your observations and what the interviewee stated.
• Theoretical analysis.2 pages, discuss the theories/theorists that are relevant in understanding this person’s development, and how these apply to the interviewee. Utilize at least 2 theories/theorists and include at least 3 relevant and recent (from 2013 or later) journal articles to support your analysis. Discuss also if there are any discrepancies between expectations by age vs. actual observations. Use this information to analyze if this person is developing as expected from theory, or if the person’s experiences actually provide information that the theory is not fully relevant to describe the development of this interviewee.
• Using the video of your interview, complete the computerized reflection by identifying 3 moments from recording (include time-stamps in paper) and draw conclusions based on your assessment of any concerns of your overall performance. 1. Emphasize what you have learned about yourself (including your engagement skills) from meeting with this person. 2. Identify and describe a moment where you felt your interviewing skills were the strongest. 3. Identify and describe a moment where you you felt your interviewing skills could’ve been better; what could you have done differently? Your reflection can be written in first person. 
• Please include a list of at least 10-15 questions that you asked the simulated client.
• It should be formatted in APA style regarding margins, headings, page numbers, font, reference list, appendices, and in-text citations. 

Rubric::

Introduction Clearly describes the person, their setting, system and environment: 

10 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDevelopmental DescriptionContains accurate information, astute observations and shows that the interview was thorough and that the student carefully considered the developmental content

20 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeTheoretical AnalysisCorrectly utilizes and applies 3 theories, shows understanding of the theory and application, not just restating the theory.

20 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeReflectionShows depth of reflection, accurate and convincing discussion of the assessment.

20 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeAppendicesQuestions are useful, well stated, open ended and reflect content that would elicit information about development appropriate to the population

15 pts

This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeReferences & APARelevant journal sources, correctly utilized to support ideas, emphasis on content instead of authors, correctly cited and recent, within the past five years.

Learning OutcomeGrammar/Typos/APA/Use of Headings/Subheadings

Use of headings/subheading consistent with assignment instructions. Free of grammatical errors and typos. Complies with APA guidelines. It should be formatted in APA style regarding margins, headings, page numbers, font, reference list, appendices, and in-text citations.

15 pts

For this assignment, you are to read a primary source related to the content of the lecture in this module. Upon completion of the reading, you will need to complete a reading response journal. Reading response journals provide opportunities to practice understanding and evaluation of philosophical conceptions of the good life we consider in the course; these opportunities, along with feedback received, will prepare you for the analysis and evaluation component of the final project.

After reading the Nicomachean Ethics reflect on the ideas, arguments, conceptions, and perspectives Aristotle offers. Consider one of them that you find intriguing, compelling, or important to your understanding of the reading. In doing so, ponder the specific reasons for why you find it intriguing, compelling, or important. Possible considerations to contemplate is the strength of an argument in terms of its validity, its truthfulness in terms of evidence that can support it, its coherence with other ideas presented in the reading, its relatability to your own life (especially the specific values and beliefs you hold–not just a story about how one time…), and how it compares with other philosophical perspectives you have encountered elsewhere. Be sure to explain the argument you choose, define philosophical concepts that you use, and provide examples to support your points. Your explanation should include textual support with citations; any citation style can be used so long as the page number of the quote or paraphrase is provided. To earn full credit and have appropriate philosophical depth, your response should be at least 400 words.

 

Select a specific health care organization and identify its mission statement and a current organizational initiative. As the leader of the HR department, you have been asked to deliver a presentation to the organization’s executive team on the need to create a new team or department to staff the strategic initiative that is in alignment with the mission statement. Part of your presentation should provide the steps for budget approval and progress of the decision-making process. Include the following in your 10-12 slide presentation:

1. Describe the mission statement and strategic initiative for the health care organization you selected.
2. Explain the role of this organization’s mission statement and strategic initiative (i.e., implementing an organization-wide technology adaptation within a 2-year period).
3. List all positions that would be a part of the new department or team.
4. Describe the appropriate wage for each position considering the local region of the health care organization selected. Explain how the individual wages must be budgeted for and what considerations will need to be included.
5. Describe the budgeting decisions and wage offerings needed to approve filling positions. Include team size and annual budget considerations.
6. If labor is 60% of the budget, discuss training, equipment, meeting areas, and other resources needed to become operational. Describe a few of the tools and techniques that could have been employed during the decision-making process.

Include a title slide and speaker notes. Ensure all references are in the speaker notes of the final “Questions” slide in as close to APA format as practical.

Refer to the resource, “Creating Effective PowerPoint Presentations,” located in the Student Success Center, for additional guidance on completing this assignment in the appropriate style.

While APA style is not required for the body of this assignment, solid academic writing is expected, and documentation of sources should be presented using APA formatting guidelines, which can be found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

Assignment Summary:

1. Read “Florida Lawsuits Allege Price Gouging,” and “They Clapped: Can Price-Gouging Laws Prohibit Scarcity?”
2. Read the article from Chapter 4 in your textbook: “In the News: Price Increases after Disasters” (pages 80-81).
3. Also read the article –  The Problem with Price Gouging Laws The Problem with Price Gouging Laws – Alternative Formats .
4. Watch the Price Gouging videos above.
5. Summarize the main points of each article and decide which graph (A, B, C, or D) can be used to explain each event and why – be specific. More than one graph may apply. ( SupplyAndDemandGraphs2.doc Supply and Demand Guide – Alternative Formats  and  Supply and Demand Graphs.pptx Supply and Demand Powerpoints – Alternative Formats )
6.  What is your conclusion? Is price gouging a good thing or not? Or is it just necessary? Explain why.
7. Post your views to the discussion board and refer to at least two different concepts (using CAPITAL LETTERS) from this week’s Chapters. Your illustration of concepts MUST include an explanation why you think they are are relevant to the week’s topic using specific information from the articles, videos and other research that you have done.  Key concepts are listed at the end of every chapter.
8. 180 word min.