250-500 word argument analysis in addition to a separate 250-500 word critical discussion of any paper of their choosing from the course. Students may choose an already assigned paper or a paper that we will discuss in the future.
An argument analysis is not a summary. Instead, an analysis tells the reader what the main argument of the article is. It should state clearly what the author’s thesis is and how she defends it. What premises does she start from? How does she use these premises to reach her conclusion? Further, your essay should include a thorough explanation of each premise.
A critical discussion is not a review of an article. Instead, a critical discussion provides an assessment of the main argument of the article. It should raise substantive criticisms of the main argument of the article being discussed. Does the author reason from false premises? Do her premises fail to adequately support her conclusion? Are their potential objections that she does not consider?
Some Advice
- While you’re free to choose any paper that’s assigned in the course, you want to make sure the paper you choose has enough substantial argument to analyze and criticize.For this reason, it may be best to avoid the pieces by Smith and Lewis. To be sure, it is possible to write interesting things about these articles but historically students have had trouble finding interesting things to say about them.
- Be careful how you organize your paper. You want to make sure you present your ideas in the order that makes things clearest for the reader. This means working through multiple drafts. Under no circumstances, should you cram all your ideas into a single paragraph.
- When you claim that a writer said something, tell me where they said it. Both paraphrases and quotes should be accompanied by a page number
- Don’t write as if your audience already agrees with you. Assume your audience is skeptical and you have to convince them. Consider how the skeptical reader might respond to what you say.
