Purpose: Students are being asked to demonstrate their understanding of a specific
argument or position that is defended by one of the authors from the second part of the
course. Students are then asked to demonstrate critical thinking by formulating a
challenge to that argument or position. Students are also asked to talk about the
relevance of these ideas for contemporary life. Students will be assessed primarily on
how well they understand the text and can think critically about it.
Content: The paper needs to include these elements:
1) A thesis statement in the first paragraph. It should state as clearly as possible the
claim that will be discussed and whether the paper will agree with it or deny it. When
you read back through the paper, make sure that everything ties back to this assertion.
2) An explanation of one argument or position drawn from one of the thinkers. Note:
this has to come from Locke, Rousseau or Wollstonecraft.
3) A counter-argument that attempts to find fault with the main argument. This should
not be simply an argument for the contrary position. It should try to find a specific
weakness in the argument. It can also present counter-evidence against a premise. It may
come from the other authors in the class but it does not have to. It may very well be an
idea you have developed.
4) A defense of the thesis statement that either defends the argument or the counterargument. Once you have presented the argument and the counter-argument, be sure
you signal to your reader the primary reason why you think the philosopher’s argument
succeeds or fails. Be sure to isolate in your own mind why you think the argument works
or does not. Then assert clearly this reason.
5) A discussion of the relevance of the thesis. This is an important part of the project.
If you do not see the relevance of what you are talking about, you need to ask two
questions: 1) why are you writing the paper? 2) do you understand what you are talking
about? These are related points. If you are just stringing ideas along without knowing
why they matter, how can you be sure you grasp what the ideas are? So be sure you
think about the relevance of what you are talking about.
Basic Logistics:
Grade Percentage: 20% of the final grade. Note, the grade is determined by the paper
itself. The prospectus will receive a score but this will not be part of the final grade.
Prospectus Due Date: Wednesday 13 April at Midnight. Note this is different than the
syllabus, but I encourage you to hand it in earlier.
Paper Due Date: Friday 29 April at Midnight.
Length: 4-5 pages. The paper may go longer than 5 pages.
Format: The paper should be double spaced with normal margins and a normal 12-point
sized font (Times 12 point for example). I prefer paragraphs to be intended without an
extra space between them.
Writing Style: Avoid using the first or second person (I, we, you). Also, do not use
contractions.
Citations: You must cite the main text you are working with at least twice.
For this short paper activity, you will learn about the three delays model, which explains…
Topic : Hospital adult medical surgical collaboration area a. Current Menu Analysis (5 points/5%) Analyze…
As a sales manager, you will use statistical methods to support actionable business decisions for Pastas R Us,…
Read the business intelligence articles: Getting to Know the World of Business Intelligence Business intelligence…
The behaviors of a population can put it at risk for specific health conditions. Studies…