Rogerian Argument Assignment

Rogerian Argument Assignment

This 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:

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

Instructions:

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.
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.
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: