The Focus The focus of this essay will be on developing a claim of policy that i

The Focus
The focus of this essay will be on developing a claim of policy that includes all of the main elements of the classical structure of argument (see handout). You will argue to implement or change or eliminate a policy (rule, practice, regulation, law, etc.) that has or is affecting you directly in some past or present experience or may affect you in your future career field.
The Process
Learn fundamentals of argumentation, synthesis, and documentation.
Research potential topics to identify the one you want to work on.
Continue research to discover information about your topic
Submit partial rough draft to writing workshop
Continue research to support your thesis.
Submit completed rough draft to writing workshop and individual conferences
Revise, revise, revise.
Submit final draft
The Requirements
1,500-1,750 words
Include 7-9 authoritative and credible sources
Deliver thesis-driven argument as response to that conversation that emerges from those sources
Use synthesis to combine your ideas, quotations, paraphrases, summaries
Response to the opposition
Concede any areas that you can do fairly and honestly
Use consistent MLA documentation throughout
What to do
Be prepared for a recursive process, not a linear one. You will research, write, research, write, research, write.
Expect to devote a lot of time to research. You’ll spend time finding sources on your topic. Then you’ll read and analyze those to get the existing conversation figured out. Then you’ll research more to find support for your argument.
Use sources as back-up singers to support your argument. In other words, make your argument (and not your sources) the primary focus.
What not to do
Don’t base organization on sources. We should not see one source per paragraph. Include the source material where it best supports your idea.
Don’t go into the initial stages of research with a carefully defined argument in mind. Your argument must emerge from the existing conversation in your research. Be prepared to change your mind if the support leads you to do this.
Remember that argument doesn’t mean pro/con. It means contributing your position to an existing conversation.