1. Use the writing process to compose an argument essay synthesizing and analyzing multiple viewpoints built upon a thesis statement that is supported by research.
2. Research must be from a minimum of three sources from CPCC Library databases.
3. You must format the essay according to current MLA standards and must include properly formatted in-text citations and a Works Cited page.
4. The essay should use grammatically correct academic/formal English.
5. The essay should be a minimum of four pages or one thousand words (not including the works cited page) and must be submitted as a Microsoft Word document through Blackboard (which includes SafeAssign, the college’s current plagiarism review program).
6. This assignment will be worth 25% of the course grade.
7. This assignment uses Rogerian Argument format (see separate directions).
Rogerian Argument Style
Rogerian Argument builds on the principles of 20th century psychologist, Carl Rogers (1902-1987).
Rogers was a pioneer in modern-day psychotherapy, based on concepts of empathetic listening.
Based on Rogers’ concepts, in this form of argument you AVOID pushing your own point of view and instead seek common ground. This is a technique in conflict resolution—in situations where you are trying to bring to parties together.
Rogerian Essay Format:
1. Have an introduction where you introduce the problem/issue and both sides to the issue. HERE and THROUGHOUT the essay you must use language that is neutral, not biased. DO NOT identify which side you agree with the most. Explain briefly how both sides are affected by the issue.
2. In the first few body paragraphs of the essay, present the opposing side of the issue in neutral, dispassionate language. It MUST BE very clear that you understand and sympathize with this position.
3. You must also point that you would agree how under certain circumstances you would agree with the opposing p.o.v.
4. Now state (in a few paragraphs) your point of view on the issue. Avoid criticizing the opposing point of view and continue to use neutral, unbiased, dispassionate language. Make it clear under what contexts or situations this point of view makes sense.
5. Next, in a few paragraphs show how there is overlap (common ground) between your position and the opposing point of view.
6. Explain any possible compromise(s) that might be of benefit to both sides.
7. Have a conclusion that reemphasizes your empathy with the opposing point of view, that underscores your belief in compromise/middle ground, and that restates your proposed common ground.
MUSTS:
The writer must use cool, dispassionate language.
The writer must appear to be empathetic.
The writer must realize that the end goal here is not polarization but mutual cooperation to solve a complex problem.
The writer must SHOW an understanding of BOTH sides of the issue.
Topics (you must choose one of these):
1. When someone goes to a four-year college today, instead of a traditional school cafeteria he or she is likely to find a Taco Bell or Pizza Hut in its place. The question is: Should schools sell fast food instead of traditional cooked, cafeteria food?
2. Offshore oil and gas drilling is the process of obtaining these valuable resources by drilling beneath the ocean, into the ocean’s floor. Of course, healthy oceans are critical to ocean life, and oceans are critical to life on this planet. The question is: Should offshore drilling continue and what if any limits should be place on these practices?
3. The costs associated with going to college continue to rise, and it’s not just tuition; it’s also the costs of textbooks and housing and more. Some say free tuition for at least the first two years should be offered to students, but where would the funding for this come from? Should/could college tuition (all or in part) be free?
4. Domestic surveillance is when a government collects information (often in secret) on its own citizens (citizens, not immigrants) The question: Does the government collect too much information on its own citizens (and, too, what about rights of due process)?
5. China has a population of approximately 1.3 billion people (making it the world’s most populated country), is the United States’ largest source of imports, holds about 10 percent of U. S. debt, and has been accused of human rights abuses. We could reduce imports from China or tax them at a higher rate, but that would mean increased prices for consumers. We could sanction them for their policies. The question is: Should we have a different relationship with China than what we currently have?