Is social media good

The final research paper in the class will structured according to the Rogerian Method.

Topic: Is social media good or bad for people?

Length Requirement: 5 full pages minimum

Sources Required: Six fully accredited, peer-reviewed or previously published works (no non-authoritative websites or blogs).

Goals:

1. Demonstrate understanding of the key terms of argument, as learned in previous lessons
2. Demonstrate and apply the use of the Rogerian Model of Argument to assert the preferential position on an issue
3. Develop a full five- to six-page paper applying the parts of the Rogerian Model
4. Remember and apply strong organizational and grammatical skill
5. Evaluate evidence and sources to provide backing for your arguments
6. Use proper MLA format to document all sources used for backing in the paper

Instructions: 

1. After selecting a topic based on your chosen academic or professional field, find a current issue or controversy situated within that chosen discipline.  Conduct thorough research, gathering a wide variety of sources to familiarize yourself with many aspects of the issue.
2. The essay should follow Rogerian format, introducing and providing background information, exploring multiple perspectives regarding the issue or question you choose, before delivering a middle-ground, intermediate position in the thesis statement.
3. Unlike classical arguments, the thesis statement should be found toward the end of the paper, delivered as a compromise position or middle-ground solution, indicating that multiple perspectives have been taken into account.

What claims are being made regarding these issues?  By whom?  Get a sense of the conversation that’s already happening.

Take some time to consider what you have read and to think about your own beliefs and ideas about this issue. What claim are you prepared to assert? Jot that down to begin your research.

Remember:  the idea of Rogerian argument is to seek a compromise, or middle-ground position as one’s thesis.  Start by introducing your topic and providing background information.  Then present alternative, diverse, and even oppositional perspectives, before introducing your own thesis as an intermediate, compromise position.  Then, explain how your thesis would serve as the best solution, considering all vantage points.

Sources Instruction:

Once you have established this claim, begin your research. I strongly suggest that you adhere to the following process:

Consult the library databases, such as NC Live. Look for strong contemporary (within the last three years) articles that support your assertion. Search the library online catalog for books on your topic. Remember that as you complete your research, you should make copies of the publication information so that you will be able to compile a bibliography that corresponds to the requirements of the assignment.

Sources:  Minimum of 6 sources.  Use the following guidelines when selecting sources:

• Three articles from scholarlyjournals (accessed through NC live). Be sure that you use a full-text article, as you cannot cite an abstract.
• One book by an authority on the subject.  This may be an e-book.  Do not use a book review as a source.
• One newspaper article, if your event is recent enough.
• Any credible additional sources you find necessary such as a websites, magazine article, journal article, book, personal interview, or documentary.  These sources must be credible with named authors and demonstrable expertise.