Assignment:
In MLA format, you will write an argument paper that persuades readers to believe in a conspiracy, cryptozoological phenomenon, or cover up.
If you have an idea for a different kind of argument paper, speak with me and we can create a custom assignment.
This paper should contain the following elements:
A strong introduction with a hook, an explanation of the subject, and why it matters.
An angle that introduces new or little-known information about this topic.
An original theory/argument that cannot be readily found elsewhere.
At least one section that identifies the opposing perspective or differing approaches to the subject.
At least 4 direct quotes and 2 paraphrases.
Research: Include 6 sources for your research. Two of these sources should be peer-reviewed, scholarly articles found in the UNM databases.
You should include at least three different types of evidence.
Examples include: statistics, eye witness accounts, hard science, videos/images, etc. If you’re having trouble with this, please ask for help.
An additional page that clearly identifies the Rhetorical Situation of your paper: Topic, Angle, Audience, Purpose, Context.
For this assignment, not all of your sources must address the subject/topic directly. For example, if you are writing a “Flat Earth” conspiracy theory, you might include material from NASA that attempts to prove the earth is round. Any material that supports any element of your argument can be used. These sources should appear on the Works Cited page according to MLA format.
Multimodality:
If you would like to complete this assignment in a format other than an essay,
please let me know so we can discuss options. Whatever the format, include relevant links, images, and/or other media in the final draft that you upload to your website.
Purpose:
This assignment will help you learn to research a topic, develop ideas based on that research, and manipulate information to use it in ways that were not intended by the original authors. At the conclusion of this project, you will know how research is commonly manipulated to support specific arguments, and you will have an increased ability to dissect and understand the arguments you encounter in your field of study and in life.
