WEEK 1

Exploring the Course Themes (graded)

The four course themes of education, technology, family, and
health and wellness are topics that touch each of our lives in some way.
In this discussion, practice exploring the themes as a researcher
would: by creating problem statements.
How do you do this? Ask and then answer the question using a
sub-topic (see below). Heres an example. For whom is [school bullying]
a problem? In your post, provide the question and then the answer to
the question. For example, School bullying is a problem for victims of
bullying because. . . . Complete the statement based on your
experience and knowledge.

Topic Selection (graded)

To prepare for your topic selection and the research process,
conduct an Internet search to find at least two articles that have been
posted in the last year on one of the “themes” topics (i.e., bullying).
The goal is to find articles that take clear positions on the topic.
Share what you find and include the URL links to the articles. After
youve posted, assess a classmates links, indicating whether youd like
to read or hear more about the topic and why.WEEK 2Argumentative Strategies (graded)
In research writing, what exactly do we mean by argument? Do we
mean taking an extreme position and standing our ground, whether or not
the facts support our position? Or do we mean instead convincing our
audience by taking a reasonable stance on an issue and supporting our
position with appropriate evidence? Define and explain the difference
using examples.

Internet Reliability (graded)

How reliable is the Internet as a source of information for your
research? What are the ways you can validate information that you find
on the Internet? Why is this necessary? Use examples from the
Information Literacy module you reviewed this week.

This section lists options that can be used to view responses.WEEK 3

Presenting Ideas (graded)

Persuasive presenters have several traits in common. Browse
through TED talks http://www.ted.com/talks or American Rhetoric Website
at http://www.americanrhetoric.com/ to find notable speakers who
demonstrate strong communication traits. Compare and contrast the ways
these speakers meaningfully communicate ideas to their audiences.
Include the URL link of the speaker you choose to write about. In a
short paragraph, respond to a classmates post, indicating whether you
agree or disagree with his or her choice, and why.

Preparing the Research Proposal (graded)

How important is it to be personally invested in an idea? Can you
sell an idea that you have no stake in? Why or why not? Using one of
the resources from the Course Readings, provide an example of an author
who is communicating in a way that tells a reader that the author is
credible and is a trustworthy source.WEEK 4

Annotated Bibliography Entries (graded)

In your textbook (pp. 325326), youll find a model of an
annotated bibliography. Review the model, focusing on the components of
the entry: (1) the reference citation, (2) the summary, and (3) the
assessment. Then draft one reference entry and two paragraphs from one
of your sources. Well use the rest of the week to peer review the
entries to prepare you for this weeks assignment.

This section lists options that can be used to view responses.
Argumentative Strategies (graded)
In presenting an argument, should a writer strive to be the final
authority or a reasonable voice on an issue? Review Chapter 22 to
understand the difference. Then, using your topic and one or more of
your sources, define and provide an example of an arguable claim as
opposed to a personal judgment.WEEK 5
Analyzing a Sample Argument (graded)
In the textbook, review the student essay on p. 199, Allowing
Guns on Campus Will Prevent Shootings, Rape. In an abbreviated format,
the sample contains the elements that you will be including in your
Course Project. The controversial subject matter (the content) may
engage you right away. This is a sign that the writer is applying an
argumentative strategy. Focus on the organization. What do you notice
about the way the topic is introduced? How will your draft be similar or
different?Organizational Patterns in Argument (graded)
Lets look at samples of research-based writing: Nervous
Nellies on p. 328; From Degrading to De-Grading on p. 254; and How
Many Zombies Do You Know? on p. 290.
Review each selection and include in your post responses to these
questions. What do you notice about how each is organized and presented?
What kinds of appeals to the audience does each author use? How are
sources used in text?
Reading Strategy Note: Unlike summary and paraphrase, which require
close reading, for this discussion use the reading strategy of skimming.
Carefully read the introductory paragraph, but then move quickly,
reading only the topic sentence of each paragraph. The goal is to
compare and contrast the differences in the presentation of the
information in the document. Skim and review until you have an
impression you can share in the discussion.WEEK 6
Rebuttals and Refutations (graded)
Anticipating readers objections is one way to determine what
other sections to include and support in your paper. Practice writing a
rebuttal or a refutation by taking your thesis and considering the point
of view of someone who believes differently or even the opposite of the
argument you are making. To do this, review Chapter 10, pp. 449452 and
post a paragraph that summarizes an oppositional point of view to your
thesis and then refutes it. As peers, reply to one another explaining
whether or not your classmates are presenting the opposition objectively
and whether the refutation is logical. Give one another ideas or
suggestions for points that may be left out or might need to be further
developed. The paragraph you draft here can be used in a section of your
Second Draft this week.

Designing Your Course Project (graded)

While APA-style citation and format is required, you do have the
flexibility in the design of your Course Project to include a visual
element. Review Chapter 17, pp. 382387. How does the use of visual
elements enhance or detract from the presentation of research? Will you
add graphs, charts, or images to your draft? Why or why not?WEEK 7APA Workshop (graded)

Each academic area of study has a particular style for documenting
the ideas of other scholars. The standards of formatting document youve
been using is from the American Psychological Association (APA). This
is the preferred style in the social sciences. As youve noticed, there
is a strong emphasis on the publication date. Why do you think there is
such an emphasis on the date? As you work on revising your Course
Project, what questions do you have about how to incorporate standard
APA format and documentation guidelines into your essay? Are there any
sources you are having a hard time documenting? Any questions about your
reference entries?

Peer Review Team A (graded)
This week, well be sharing our writing in a class peer review.
In order to make this process run smoothly, please be sure to follow
the instructions noted below.
Find your name on the peer review assignment list provided by
your professor to determine whether you are in Group A, B, C, or D.Once you have located your assigned group, join that discussion
area and hit reply to the initial prompt. In your reply, leave
feedback for your classmates with general information about your draft.
Explain the current state of your draft, your plans to add
content, and your revision plans. If you have specific questions for the
peers who will review your draft, or want to provide them with
any additional information, please do so in your initial post.Attach your current draft to your initial post. This must be completed no later than Tuesday night.Find the two peers who have posted after you in terms of
time. Read their attached essays and any notes they left to
accompany the draft. Find the Week 7 Peer Review Checklist in Doc
Sharing and download it. Complete the form separately for each of
the two peers whose drafts you will be reviewing.Return your completed Peer Review Worksheet as an attachment in a response post to each of your peers separately. This must be completed no later than Friday night.Continue to check into your group Discussion area in the event your peers pose any follow-up questions.
**Please note: If you are the last to post in your group before the
Tuesday deadline, you should review the students who post in the #1 and
#2 slot. If you are second last to post in your group, please review
the students who post in the last and #1 slot.
Be sure to ask your professor if you have any questions about the peer review process.

Peer Review Team B (graded)

This week, well be sharing our writing in a class peer review.
In order to make this process run smoothly, please be sure to follow
the instructions noted below.
Find your name on the peer review assignment list provided by
your professor to determine whether you are in Group A, B, C, or D.Once you have located your assigned group, join that discussion
area and hit reply to the initial prompt. In your reply, leave
feedback for your classmates with general information about your draft.
Explain the current state of your draft, your plans to add
content, and your revision plans. If you have specific questions for the
peers who will review your draft, or want to provide them with
any additional information, please do so in your initial post.Attach your current draft to your initial post. This must be completed no later than Tuesday night.Find the two peers who have posted after you in terms of
time. Read their attached essays and any notes they left to
accompany the draft. Find the Week 7 Peer Review Checklist in Doc
Sharing and download it. Complete the form separately for each of
the two peers whose drafts you will be reviewing.Return your completed Peer Review Worksheet as an attachment in a response post to each of your peers separately. This must be completed no later than Friday night.Continue to check into your group Discussion area in the event your peers pose any follow-up questions.
**Please note: If you are the last to post in your group before the
Tuesday deadline, you should review the students who post in the #1 and
#2 slot. If you are second last to post in your group, please review
the students who post in the last and #1 slot.
Be sure to ask your professor if you have any questions about the peer review process.

Peer Review Team C (graded)
This week, well be sharing our writing in a class peer review.
In order to make this process run smoothly, please be sure to follow
the instructions noted below.
Find your name on the peer review assignment list provided by
your professor to determine whether you are in Group A, B, C, or D.Once you have located your assigned group, join that discussion
area and hit reply to the initial prompt. In your reply, leave
feedback for your classmates with general information about your draft.
Explain the current state of your draft, your plans to add
content, and your revision plans. If you have specific questions for the
peers who will review your draft, or want to provide them with
any additional information, please do so in your initial post.Attach your current draft to your initial post. This must be completed no later than Tuesday night.Find the two peers who have posted after you in terms of
time. Read their attached essays and any notes they left to
accompany the draft. Find the Week 7 Peer Review Checklist in Doc
Sharing and download it. Complete the form separately for each of
the two peers whose drafts you will be reviewing.Return your completed Peer Review Worksheet as an attachment in a response post to each of your peers separately. This must be completed no later than Friday night.Continue to check into your group Discussion area in the event your peers pose any follow-up questions.
**Please note: If you are the last to post in your group before the
Tuesday deadline, you should review the students who post in the #1 and
#2 slot. If you are second last to post in your group, please review
the students who post in the last and #1 slot.
Be sure to ask your professor if you have any questions about the peer review process.
The four course themes of education, technology, family, and
health and wellness are topics that touch each of our lives in some way.
In this discussion, practice exploring the themes as a researcher
would: by creating problem statements.How do you do this? Ask and then answer the question using a
sub-topic (see below). Heres an example. For whom is [school bullying]
a problem? In your post, provide the question and then the answer to
the question. For example, School bullying is a problem for victims of
bullying because. . . . Complete the statement based on your
experience and knowledge.To prepare for your topic selection and the research process,
conduct an Internet search to find at least two articles that have been
posted in the last year on one of the “themes” topics (i.e., bullying).
The goal is to find articles that take clear positions on the topic.
Share what you find and include the URL links to the articles. After
youve posted, assess a classmates links, indicating whether youd like
to read or hear more about the topic and why.WEEK 2In research writing, what exactly do we mean by argument? Do we
mean taking an extreme position and standing our ground, whether or not
the facts support our position? Or do we mean instead convincing our
audience by taking a reasonable stance on an issue and supporting our
position with appropriate evidence? Define and explain the difference
using examples.How reliable is the Internet as a source of information for your
research? What are the ways you can validate information that you find
on the Internet? Why is this necessary? Use examples from the
Information Literacy module you reviewed this week.Persuasive presenters have several traits in common. Browse
through TED talks http://www.ted.com/talks or American Rhetoric Website
at http://www.americanrhetoric.com/ to find notable speakers who
demonstrate strong communication traits. Compare and contrast the ways
these speakers meaningfully communicate ideas to their audiences.
Include the URL link of the speaker you choose to write about. In a
short paragraph, respond to a classmates post, indicating whether you
agree or disagree with his or her choice, and why.
How important is it to be personally invested in an idea? Can you
sell an idea that you have no stake in? Why or why not? Using one of
the resources from the Course Readings, provide an example of an author
who is communicating in a way that tells a reader that the author is
credible and is a trustworthy source.WEEK 4In your textbook (pp. 325326), youll find a model of an
annotated bibliography. Review the model, focusing on the components of
the entry: (1) the reference citation, (2) the summary, and (3) the
assessment. Then draft one reference entry and two paragraphs from one
of your sources. Well use the rest of the week to peer review the
entries to prepare you for this weeks assignment.
In presenting an argument, should a writer strive to be the final
authority or a reasonable voice on an issue? Review Chapter 22 to
understand the difference. Then, using your topic and one or more of
your sources, define and provide an example of an arguable claim as
opposed to a personal judgment.In the textbook, review the student essay on p. 199, Allowing
Guns on Campus Will Prevent Shootings, Rape. In an abbreviated format,
the sample contains the elements that you will be including in your
Course Project. The controversial subject matter (the content) may
engage you right away. This is a sign that the writer is applying an
argumentative strategy. Focus on the organization. What do you notice
about the way the topic is introduced? How will your draft be similar or
different?Lets look at samples of research-based writing: Nervous
Nellies on p. 328; From Degrading to De-Grading on p. 254; and How
Many Zombies Do You Know? on p. 290.Review each selection and include in your post responses to these
questions. What do you notice about how each is organized and presented?
What kinds of appeals to the audience does each author use? How are
sources used in text?Reading Strategy Note: Unlike summary and paraphrase, which require
close reading, for this discussion use the reading strategy of skimming.
Carefully read the introductory paragraph, but then move quickly,
reading only the topic sentence of each paragraph. The goal is to
compare and contrast the differences in the presentation of the
information in the document. Skim and review until you have an
impression you can share in the discussion.WEEK 6
Anticipating readers objections is one way to determine what
other sections to include and support in your paper. Practice writing a
rebuttal or a refutation by taking your thesis and considering the point
of view of someone who believes differently or even the opposite of the
argument you are making. To do this, review Chapter 10, pp. 449452 and
post a paragraph that summarizes an oppositional point of view to your
thesis and then refutes it. As peers, reply to one another explaining
whether or not your classmates are presenting the opposition objectively
and whether the refutation is logical. Give one another ideas or
suggestions for points that may be left out or might need to be further
developed. The paragraph you draft here can be used in a section of your
Second Draft this week.While APA-style citation and format is required, you do have the
flexibility in the design of your Course Project to include a visual
element. Review Chapter 17, pp. 382387. How does the use of visual
elements enhance or detract from the presentation of research? Will you
add graphs, charts, or images to your draft? Why or why not?This week, well be sharing our writing in a class peer review.
In order to make this process run smoothly, please be sure to follow
the instructions noted below.**Please note: If you are the last to post in your group before the
Tuesday deadline, you should review the students who post in the #1 and
#2 slot. If you are second last to post in your group, please review
the students who post in the last and #1 slot.Be sure to ask your professor if you have any questions about the peer review process.This week, well be sharing our writing in a class peer review.
In order to make this process run smoothly, please be sure to follow
the instructions noted below.**Please note: If you are the last to post in your group before the
Tuesday deadline, you should review the students who post in the #1 and
#2 slot. If you are second last to post in your group, please review
the students who post in the last and #1 slot.Be sure to ask your professor if you have any questions about the peer review process.This week, well be sharing our writing in a class peer review.
In order to make this process run smoothly, please be sure to follow
the instructions noted below.**Please note: If you are the last to post in your group before the
Tuesday deadline, you should review the students who post in the #1 and
#2 slot. If you are second last to post in your group, please review
the students who post in the last and #1 slot.Be sure to ask your professor if you have any questions about the peer review process.