Argument Project

For this three-part project, you need to choose something you care about and have strong opinions about and write about it. You can choose one aspect of the media (examples: a specific book, movie, CD, or website) or a technology product (examples: the newest Chevy Corvette, the most recent laptop from Dell, or Sony's latest portable mp3 player).

·        A Product: Choose a product that you have experience with and that you feel strongly about.

• A Piece of Media: Choose a particular piece of media to analyze. If you choose to do this one, you might consider using a specific film or television series, a book, or CD. You want to choose something that you have experience with and that you feel strongly about.

There are no right or wrong answers here-you might think the best car on the market today is the new Dodge Nitro. Your job in this project is to do a little research, write a short report about what you found, then evaluate that subject. Don't try to tackle “The Big Things”-the newest cancer drug or the latest model from Boeing-unless you have personal experience with it. Aim for the things in your life that matter to you-the best caffeine drink on the market, the latest book by J.K. Rowling or the newest Jack Johnson CD, for example.

Meet the following expectations:

1.  Research log and note cards:  Where did you search?  What did you find?  What SPECIFIC          information will you be using? (Due April 16^th – 25 points)

2. Printouts of 1 article from a website, 1 article from a journal, and 1 selection of your choice. These will be the only sources that you will be allowed to use. 1-2 more sources may be used if the above sources are short. You must seek my approval prior to the use of additional sources.

3. In-class writing:  Here you will introduce your topic and explain how you will appeal to your reader in terms of logos, pathos, and ethos. (Due April 18^th – 25 points)

4. PowerPoint:  Here you will demonstrate your argument and research skills.  A separate rubric will be handed out for this portion of the assignment.  (Due April 20^th – 50 points).