Assignment (Choose ONE Option):
Option 1) Research an educational issue from the perspective of a
researcher in your own major field. For example, a major in
sociology might investigate how a certain educational policy could
affect society. A psychology major could examine a particular role of
psychologists in schools or academic institutions. A computer
scientist might research how computers or online classes are
changing the face of education. A history major could present an
historical look at an educational issue. A math major could look at
the applications of big data to education. Business and economics
majors could examine education as an investment or look at
how a business model could be applied to educational institutions.
Political science and world cultures majors could compare different
education systems. An art major could look at the importance of art
as part of the general requirements in an education system.
Option 2) Look at how your own major views education within that
discipline, like how your own major should be taught or how it could
attract more students. For example, a major in engineering could
look at how people in that discipline view the way the new
generation of engineers should be taught or trained, or a business
major might discuss the issue of whether business ethics should
play a bigger role in MBA programs. Any major could look at a)
whether a key component is missing from their curriculum or b) how
to attract more students to that field or c) how to better prepare
students in that field for grad school or a career.
Notes:
Your research may result in an argumentative essay depending on
your topic, but it does not have to. Instead, you may focus on
informing your reader about a relatively unknown aspect of the
education debate and its significance. The goal of your essay is to
inform your audience (your classmates) about one way that your
field is connected to education or an educational issue that you
choose to focus on. During the process of your research, you may
find yourself taking up a position on your topic that you wish to
argue, or you may prefer to maintain an informative approach,
highlighting the significance and implications of your topic.
This essay will require you to conduct research and acknowledge
sources using the MLA research format. It will also require you to
submit a paper proposal (in the form of a discussion), a first draft,
and a final draft and to participate in peer review.
You will need to provide background information or context for the
educational topic you have chosen. You will also need to present
and integrate research on this topic and its connection to your field
of study. You may include class readings among your sources.
However, no more than two sources can be from class readings. You
will need to develop a thesis or central claim that is supportable
with your research. It does not have to be an argument or arguable
thesis, but it should highlight an issue which would not be common
knowledge to your readers (your classmates).
You must use a minimum of six sources by the final draft. The final
draft will include a Works Cited page and will be submitted to
turnitin.com via Canvas.
8-10 pages (approximately 2,500-3,000 words), not
includingheading, header, title, and Works Cited
Page Limits: page.
Draft 1 should be approximately 1 1/2 - 2 pages.
Your essay should include the following general structure:
Introduction: Briefly define or describe the issue that you
are investigating and explain 1) how it relates to your field
of study, 2) what makes it important and 3) what makes it
controversial or worth researching. This is the section
where you contextualize your topic.
Thesis: At the end of your Introduction, assert your position
regarding the issue you have chosen to focus on and provide
a rationale or reasoning for this position (this only applies in
an argumentative essay). Note: A well-written thesis should
be complex and is usually articulated in more than one
sentence.
Body:
Option a. If you are writing an informational essay, provide
credible sources that support your information. These
sources should encompass the opposing views on the issue
you have chosen.
Option b. If you are writing an argumentative essay, provide
credible evidence that supports your position and refutes
opposing arguments. Use appeals (logos, pathos and ethos)
to strengthen your argument. Make sure to also
acknowledge or anticipate and respond to the opposing
argument/s.
Conclusion: Bring your paper to a satisfactory end by
recapping the information you have presented (for an
informational essay) or by reasserting your position using
different wording (for an argumentative essay) and (for both
essays) emphasizing the relevance of your information or
position to your field of study as well as to your audience
(the big picture). An argumentative essay may end with a
call to action, while an informational essay may leave the
reader with something to reflect upon or take away from
your discussion.
