What is Persuasion?

Your assignment is to write a "persuasive argument." According to composition theorists Andrea Lunsdford and John Ruszkiewicz, the point of argument is to discover some version of truth, using evidence as reasons. The aim of persuasion is to change a point of view, or to move others from conviction to action. In other words, writers argue to find some truth; they persuade when they think they already know it. A persuasive argument combines elements of both. Identify a problem, then the writer must first present it in such a compelling way that the reader asks: What can we do? A proposal argument often begins with the presentation of research to document existing conditions. Knowing and explaining the status quo enables the writer to explore appropriate and viable alternatives and then to recommend (propose) on preferable course of action (change) (Everything's an Argument 17).

The Writing Assignment

Your task is to explore and find a prevailing issue concerning "Media/Communication/Technology" which truly interests you about which you, and about which you may have strong feeling, ideas, and opinions (this is your perspective, your point of view, the lens through which you ask your reader to interpret the meaning of the facts of the problem). In choosing a focus, think about our our Course Theme: “Everything American…technology, the obsession with information and our rights to it” Make a connection between the themes, the  class readings, your research, the film, and class discussions in English, Seminar and Political Science (not for DMC stu).

The issue of Technology and our right to it is vast and broad. You are to find a conversation, an argument for or against technology in modern society.  Our government has admitted to domestic surveillance, so how far should technology go? Is there a line, is it necessary? What about technology in the classroom, and the office. Should your boss be able to listen in on discussions, find out about your past? It has become a heated debate in our country. You are to explore this topic and pick a particular issue within this larger topic; in your exploration you will decide whether you feel this issue is being addressed properly, presented wrong in the media and/or various organizations. Does it need legislation (i.e. reform), how this issue is or isn't reflective of founding American ideals within the Constitution, how might race and socio-economic class affect one's perspective on this issue, etc. You will have to do extensive research, so that your discussion will be fully developed, your point of view will be clearly defined, and your conclusions will be strongly supported. You will need at least ten to twelve (sources) for this paper in order to make it sound and complete.

How to Proceed with this Paper:

1. To choose and discover an issue within the current “Technology” controversy

2. Once the issue is chosen start researching the topic using library databases, library online catalogue, internet sources, etc

3. Review all class discussions and readings, independent research, notes, and in-class writings such as group work and journals and from those, form an educated, informed perspective on your chosen issue

4. In your paper you need to first identify and explain your issue

5. Next, state your perspective with supporting evidence (i.e. from research, class discussions, etc) and explain why you see the issue the way you do

6. How is the energy crisis issue portrayed in the media and how does it figure into the political debates today.

Overall Goals for this assignment:

1. To ascertain an informed opinion(s) based on the research collected

2. To discover pertinent information on the technology issue and present a persuasive perspective

3. Integrate quotes properly into the essay AND correct in-text citation and Works Cited

4. Pre-writing

5. Creating a thesis which sets up your paper

6. Logical flow to thoughts and ideas

7. Unified paragraphs and effective topic and transition sentences

8. Information needs to be relevant to explaining context of assignment

9. Free of mechanical errors (i.e. spelling, grammar, and punctuation) 

Format Details

• MLA (Modern Language Association) format. Please see class main page for handouts with details.
• heading
• 9½ to 10 pages double spaced.
• 10 to 12 sources. 
• 12 pt font Times New Roman
• Standard MLA heading.
• normal page margins (no newspaper columns accepted)  

Portfolio Three Grade Distribution

Reflective 15%

Evidence 15%

Oral presentation 10%

Essay 60%