Introduction to Political Science 151 Instructor: Dr. Joanna Briganti
Position Paper 2004-2005
Argument Topics and Instructions
General Instructions:
The paper has three main objectives-
1. Write a clear argument for one of the positions stated in the argument topic list. You must follow the topic sentences below as guidelines for your argument.
2. Support your argument by citing articles, writings, interviews or other information you discover through research. Particularly useful are articles and studies citing valid statistics that support your point of view.
3. Write the paper according to the MLA format or other parenthetical reference style. This format will allow you some experience with college writing requirements by way of a relatively short paper.
The minimum requirements for the paper include the above plus all of the following. You should use this list as a checklist to be sure you have properly composed and constructed your paper.
1. ____You must use and cite at least six resources in your paper, including internet addresses, plus one interview (see below)..
2. ____You must include in your sources at least two non-internet sources obtained from the MCCC library.
3. ____You must include a personal interview with an expert on your topic area or a related area.
4. ____The minimum length is eight typed pages - well researched and developed.
5. ____Type the paper using double-spaced lines and 10 or 12 point font, preferably Times New Roman or Courier.
6. ____Set margins at one-inch on all borders.
7. ____Include a cover page with your name and course section number.
8. ____ Please staple - no plastic report covers.
9. ____Include an annotated bibliography (works cited page). An annotated bibliography lists your sources with a note after each source stating from where you obtained that source, and a one-sentence statement summary about the information you received from that source.
NOTE: Research papers that do not meet these minimum requirements may receive zero points.
Argument Topics:
1) The internet should be better regulated by the federal government. Both adults and children can be harmed by internet materials and scams. Traditional media like television, radio, and the sale of CDs should also be better regulated. The media influences our children and is harming our citizens and our society.
2) The government should never regulate the internet. The internet has developed as an area of free thought exchange. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees U.S. citizens free speech and expression. Television, music, and other traditional media are already regulated too much. The government has no right to regulate any media source.
3) The federal government should have more control over public schools in the United States, including control over teacher qualifications, teacher testing, financial equality, curriculum standards, and evaluation of districts. Such control will bring equality to public schools and improvements in education for all students.
4) The federal government and state governments should have less control over local public schools. New developments in charter schools have shown that schools flourish in their communities when the members of the community have more independent control over curriculum, rules and administration. Our public schools should be free of the bureaucratic time-wasters imposed by state and federal government control.
5) President George W. Bush has done a great job as President so far during his first term. The reasons I believe this are as follows….
6) President George W. Bush has done a poor job as President so far during his first term. The reasons I believe this are as follows….
7) Partner Option- Choose a different political topic to state your argument on. Find a person with the opposite viewpoint who will write on that topic also. Both of you must see me about your topic. I must approve your topic choice in writing with you. If I give you a note of approval, you may both write on that topic taking opposite sides.
Topic choices are due on the date noted on the syllabus. Final research papers are due at the beginning of class on the date noted on the syllabus. NO LATE PAPERS ARE ACCEPTED FOR POINTS – EVER. Papers that do not meet the minimum requirements stated above will receive zero points.
Please make use of the college Writing Fellows program and Writing Lab if you need assistance. I will also make myself available to assist you if you need help. The papers will be evaluated so as to reward thorough research efforts, insight, critical thinking, and sound arguments. There are no "right or wrong" answers to the arguments; however, you should attempt to incorporate into your paper some of the concepts that you learn in this class. You should also be sure to use your resources as "evidence" or support for your own argument. Remember: It is important that you make a copy of your paper before you turn it in.
Note on Plagiarism
These points may be earned to replace missed points for any deficiencies in your paper. However, your paper may not exceed 100 points.
Turned in one week early = 5 points
Writing fellow conference = 5 points (Submit copy of writing fellows’ feedback form with your paper.)
Paper Grading Criteria (You could use this, too, as a checklist for your paper.)
____Correct format, including bibliography: 15 pts. possible
____Research well done; adequate resources employed correctly: 25
____Argument is clear with specific points made: 25
____Insight and critical thought is evident: 25
____Mechanics: spelling, grammar, neatness: 10
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Total points possible 100
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