Purpose: To critically
read, analyze, and
evaluate an academic
article. The habits
practiced during this
project will prepare you
for other critical academic
reading tasks and
academic research and
writing assignments.
Format: MLA or APA,
double spaced, 12 pt.
Times New Roman Font, 1
inch margins.
Digital format: Any
software, such as
Audacity or Voice Memo,
iMovie, etc. that can be
shared and posted to
Canvas.
Sources: 1, an article from
the course text Emerging:
Contemporary Readings
for Writers. The is article
you can choose will be
one read for homework
and indicated on the
course schedule.
Length: 3 page approval/disapproval of the argument or of any of the
minimum or the digital
equivalent, about 7
minutes of audio or video.
Draft Due: 1/20
Final Due: 1/30
Project #1 Critique
The GSW 1120 critique is written as a methodical evaluation of an
academic article. An effective critique provides your audience (and
yourself) with a full understanding of the article being critiqued, its
intended meaning, and its merits and faults. The 1120 critique will
be graded on how accurately and efficiently the text is summarized,
how thoroughly and logically it is evaluated, and how clearly the
criteria used to evaluate the essay are presented.
Organization:
Elements required in your critique include an introduction, thesis
statement, brief summary, criteria-based analysis/evaluation,
counterargument, response to counterargument, and conclusion.
The introduction identifies the author, article title, date of
publication, the original publication medium (magazine, journal,
etc), the author's thesis, purpose, intended audience, and your
thesis statement.
The thesis statement states your position and the three or
four merits and/or faults you discuss in the rest of the essay.
The summary contains only the essential information
needed to relay to the reader the author's thesis and the article's
main points and sub-points.
The analysis/evaluation states the criteria used to evaluate
the article and uses specific examples to support your interpretation
of its merits and faults.
The response states your position and your
argumentative points.
The conclusion restates your position concerning the validity
and effectiveness of the author's argument and of the article. You
can recap the article's merits or faults in an effort to provide
evidence for your position, and you can state the effectiveness or
ineffectiveness of the author's ability to reach his or her target
audience based on your evaluation.
As always, please see me for
questions and concerns.
Please also contact the
Writing Center at the
Learning Commons to meet
with a writing tutor. You can
call 419-372-2823.
You may also submit your
writing to an online writing
consultant by following this
link:
http://www.bgsu.edu/offices
/writingctr/page76151.html.
Synthesis:
Synthesis is the practice of using specific evidence from the
article to support each point made in your evaluation, including
the counterargument. You should use cited source material
direct quotes, paraphrases, and/or examplesto support each
paragraphs point. Also, strive to use two or more pieces of
evidence for each point. We will be practicing synthesis all
semester.
Metadiscourse:
Metadiscourse is the language used to make connections
between points to make your argument coherent.
Metadiscourse iswhen you use explanatory words and
sentences and when you use transitional words and phrases to
connect your argument/essay together. It indicates the
direction of your argument and it demonstrates how each
sentence and paragraph connects to the previous one by using
transitions. Also, metadiscourse explains how your cited source
material illustrates the criteria and supports your evaluation for
each paragraph. We will be practicing metadiscouse all
semester.
Some Examples of Metadiscourse:
From Joseph Williams, Style: Ten Lessons in Clarity and Grace 6th edition
Rhetorical Actions: explain, show, argue, claim, deny, suggest,
contrast, add, expand, summarize
Parts of the Discourse: first, second, third; to begin, finally
Logical Connections: therefore, however, consequently, if so
Hedges and emphatics: it seems, perhaps, undoubtedly, I think
Guides for readers: consider now the matter of, as you might
recall
Purpose: To develop an Project #2 Multiple Sources
argument about a topic
and present other This is a synthesized multiple source project. In this assignment, you
viewpoints about the will present your own argument supported by various sources,
same topic by including articles from Emerging that we have read as a class. An
synthesizing multiple effective MSP clearly expresses your own thoughts on a particular
sources. issue, and it also demonstrates your thorough familiarity with
differing opinions on that issue. Your success in composing an
Format: MLA or APA, effective MSP will be determined, in part, by how well you
double spaced, 12 pt. understand and synthesize information from the different sources
Times New Roman Font, 1 we have read and your ability to incorporate sources found through
inch margins. independent research.
Digital format: Any
software, such as Considerations for Organization
Audacity or Voice Memo, Introductory Paragraph(s)
iMovie, etc. that can be
shared and posted to An effective hook which makes the reader want to read the rest of
Canvas. the essay (i.e. an anecdote, a surprising example or statistic, a
memorable quote) and general information on the topic that leads
Sources: Multiple (as
to your thesis.
many as it takes to
Point/Reason Paragraphs
sufficiently support your
Topic sentence and explanation of supporting point/reason
argument). You should
Then, incorporate sources (at least 2 different ones).
use some of the chapters
Introduce sources used for the first time--full name, information on
we have discussed from
author(s), title of work, etc.; once they're introduced the first time,
Emerging and any
you may refer to just their last name(s) --discuss the source info you
relevant and credible
integrate (explain what the author means, its relationship to your
library or online sources.
point/argument); remember to cite source info with a parenthetical
Length: 4 page citation. Use words to signal synthesis between sources and
minimum or the digital between sources and your argument (metadiscourse). Wrap up
equivalent, about 9 your point in your own words, not a source's.
minutes of audio or video.
Counter-arguments
Draft Due: 2/12
What does your opposition say about your argument as a whole
Final Due: 3/6 or some of your main points/reasons that support your argument?
Explain how they disagree with you in a counter-argument
paragraph.
As always, please see me for
questions and concerns.
Please also contact the
Writing Center at the
Learning Commons to meet
with a writing tutor. You can
call 419-372-2823.
You may also submit your
writing to an online writing
consultant by following this
link:
http://www.bgsu.edu/offices
/writingctr/page76151.html.
Place counter-argument either before or after the
point/reason that it addresses or if it is a counter-argument to
your argument as a whole, place it after your introduction
Refute (argue back) or concede (make concession that they
bring up a valid point but that your argument is still the most
reasonable for certain reasons) the counter-arguments.
Concluding Paragraph
Wrap up your argument
Highlight/Remind readers of your main points
Explain why your argument is important or should be
considered
Consider pointing out consequences if your argument isn't
considered
Synthesis:
Synthesis is the practice of using specific evidence from the
article to support each point made in your evaluation, including
the counterargument. You should use cited source material
direct quotes, paraphrases, and/or examplesto support each
paragraphs point. Also, strive to use two or more pieces of
evidence for each point. We will be practicing synthesis all
semester.
Purpose: To conduct
preliminary, exploratory
research on a topic of
interest to you and to Project #3 Presearch
help you develop a
The Investigative Inquiry Project (or Presearch) is designed to help
focused research question
you conduct preliminary, exploratory research on a topic of interest
that you will answer in
to you and to help you develop a focused research question that
your formal Research
you will answer in your formal Research Project. In this Investigative
Project. To become
Inquiry assignment, you will familiarize yourself with multiple sides
familiar with academic
of one specific topic by finding four to five articles that show both
conversations about your
similar and differing viewpoints on the issue. Like the multiple
topic of choice. To
source project, you will synthesize these sources to exhibit your
practice writing academic
familiarity with the complex views on the issue. However, this
genres such as the
Investigative Inquiry Project does not present and support your
annotated bibliography.
argument; rather, it presents information about the multiple
Format: MLA or APA, views/sides/arguments on the issue. Once you understand the
double spaced, 12 pt. multiple sides of an issue, you will consider (perhaps reconsider)
Times New Roman Font, 1 your position and develop a research question that you will use as
inch margins. the basis for your argument in the Researched Project.
Digital format: Any
software, such as Organization:
Audacity or Voice Memo, Introduction: Your introduction will give a strong foundation to the
iMovie, etc. that can be topic/issue leading up to your Research Question. This introduction
shared and posted to may be 1-2 paragraphs.
Canvas. Clearly introduce the topic/issue you have chosen,
and make it clear what the central focus is of the topic/issue.
Sources: 8-10 (1/2 of Why the topic/issue appeals to you and why you
which must be academic; have chosen to focus on this topic/issue?
all of which must be How is the topic/issue significant and relevant today
relevant and credible) to you and your peers in an academic setting?
Length: 4-5 pages for the What are the argument/current perspectives
essay plus Annotated (scholarly stances) that are taking place in the scholarly
Bibliography; the digital conversations surrounding the main focus of your topic/issue?
equivalent, about 8-10 What is the research question you want to explore in
minutes of audio or video. the researched essay? (This research question is in place of a thesis
statement for this project)
Draft Due: 3/6 (Monday
during Spring Break)

Final Due: 3/19

The Body: The body of the essay will be where you spend ample time developing the differing
perspectives/stances that surround your topic/issue and relate to your research question. In
each paragraph:

Address one specific argument/viewpoint you are researching in your sources that
relates to your research question and why that argument/viewpoint is
important/relevant to your research question.
Demonstrate that the specific argument/viewpoint you are focusing on in the paragraph
has merit and is relevant to the conversations taking place that relate to your
topic/issue and research question.
Synthesize, at minimum, two sources within each paragraph to demonstrate that
multiple sources are sharing the same arguments/viewpoints you are addressing.

For the body of your essay, you will have at least four developed paragraphs that are focusing
on different arguments/viewpoints related to your research question.

Conclusion: Finally, the conclusion of the essay component of the Pre-Search Essay is where
you bring all the information you have been researching related to your research question and
begin to formulate the argument you want to address in your Research Essay. Here you will:

Give a brief summarization of the information you have presented within your essay.
Decide on the position/argument that you want to present on your topic/issue in the
Research Essayessentially answer your research question with a working thesis.
Discuss why you have chosen your position/argument.
What audience you want to appeal to as you present your position/argument.
How is your argument going to be contributing to and adding new perspectives on the
scholarly conversations you have been reading about your topic through your research?

Annotated Bibliography:

This is the second component of your Pre-Search Essay where you will be putting together the 8
or more sources you have chosen, critically read, and annotated throughout the project. This
annotated bibliography will be a strong overview of your sources and the value they have
towards your research and Research project. For each source you must:

Cite the source in correct MLA/APA format

Develop 3-4 sentences briefly summarizing the entire source
Develop a longer, more detailed paragraph explaining the significance of the source,
how it is relevant to the research question and research you are doing, how it helps
work with the thesis you are developing, any drawbacks you notice in the source, and
strengths that help the source work for your project.
Purpose: To continue and
research a topic of
interest and to develop an
effective argument (in
response to your research
question presented in the
Presearch Project). To
become more situated
within academic
conversations about your
topic of choice. To sustain
an argument with
credible and relevant
resources. To practice
increasingly sophisticated
synthesis and
metadiscourse.
Format: MLA or APA,
double spaced, 12 pt.
Times New Roman Font, 1
inch margins.
Digital format: Any
software, such as
Audacity or iMovie, etc.
Sources: 8-10 (1/2 of
which must be academic;
all of which must be
relevant and credible)
Length: 8-10 pages; the
digital equivalent: 16-20
minutes of audio or video.
Outline Due: Wed 3/22
Rough Draft: Sun 4/2
Peer Review: Mon 4/3
Final Due: 4/14
Research Presentation:
See course schedule
Project #4 Research
You will compose one 8-10 page researched project based on the
research and writing executed for the Presearch Project. This
research project will make use of a variety of sources (e.g., journal
and newspaper articles, books, online sources, interviews, surveys,
etc.). Like the multiple source project, the researched project will
present your position/argument on a particular issue while
synthesizing ideas from a number of sources. The researched
project will be graded on the quality of the research, the clarity and
accuracy with which the information is presented, the effectiveness
and logic with which sources are used to support your own original
and relevant argument, and your use of appropriate documentation
of your sources.
Organization:
Introduction: Your introduction will give a strong foundation to the
topic/issue leading up to your argument. This introduction may be
1-2 paragraphs.
Clearly introduce the topic/issue you have chosen:
Provide what background information is needed for a broad
audience to understand your topic
Clear and compelling thesis
The Body: The body of the essay will be where you spend ample
time developing the support for your argument and presenting
differing perspectives to your argument (counterargument,
refutations, and concessions).
Each body paragraph is focused on one supporting reason or
claim that is reflected in the thesis to support the argument
Synthesize, at minimum, two sources within each paragraph
to demonstrate that multiple sources are sharing the same
supporting reason/claim you are addressing.
For the body of your essay, you will have as many body paragraphs
as are needed to support your argument (within the 8-10
framework). Multiple paragraphs may address and develop the
same supporting claim; make sure you have strong metadisourcse
connecting theseand allparagraphs and ideas.
 Conclusion:

Briefly summarize the information you have presented and re-state your thesis
Possibly present, or discuss again, why your argument and topic are important for
everyday citizens and/or your peers in an academic setting
Discuss how your argument contributes to and adds new perspectives on the scholarly
conversations you have incorporated into your research project
Address any gaps in your research; meaning, what other evidence or scholarly
conversation exist that did not fit into this research project
Should you move forward with this research an dtopic, what new and related questions
do you have and what directions might you go in?

Research Findings Presentation: You will present on your research project and process. This
presentation is to practice writing for oral delivery; to reflect on the research paper and the research
process; and to share your experiences as a writer and researcher with me and your classmates.
Grade: Part of participation grade
Your presentation should address the following questions:
Explain your choice of topic-why does it interest you? Why did you want to research it?
How did you go about researching this topic? What sources did you use? Where did you search
and how did you know to search there? What research strategies did you use? What changes
did you have to make to your research strategies and/or research materials?
What discoveries did you make about your topic and about the research process?
Speculate as to what you will do with the information (both the content of the research paper
and the research process itself) learned and knowledge made from this project.

Length and Format

The presentation should be between 5-8 minutes. Practice and time yourself: you should speak
for the full length of time. Be prepared to answer questions at the end of your presentation.
You will need to use Power Point, Prezi, or another presentation tool to compliment the oral
presentation. Review this Slide Share presentation about effective Power Point design and take
it into consideration as you work the slideshow we viewed in class.
Make sure to include a title slide with the title of your presentation, the project youre
presenting on (if not part of your title), and your name.
Do not read your slides. Have note cards, a script, or memorize what youre going to say. The
slides are for your audience and to supplement your talk, not notes or you.
Speak slowly, loudly, clearly, and make eye contact with your audience.
Though not a requirement, consider providing a handout for every member of the audience.
Think of the handout as a way of making the presentation more accessible for the audience,
highlighting crucial elements of the presentation, and providing resources for those interested
in exploring your project and its materials further. Review this article about presentation
handouts for tips: http://www.speakingaboutpresenting.com/delivery/presentation-handouts/
Purposes: To revise and Project #5 Self-Reflective Project
reflect on your academic In this project you will address:
writing, critical thinking
and other habits of mind 1. How you successfully met the goals and learning
needed for success in outcomes for GSW 1120 (see syllabus)
post-secondary writing 2. Which the habits of mind you used and/or developed as you
processes. met these GSW goals
3. How the GSW 1120 goals and outcomes and these habits
Format: MLA or APA of mind help you understand and practice rhetorical
double spaced, 12 pt. knowledge, critical thinking, writing processes, knowledge of
Times New Roman Font, 1 conventions, and abilities to compose in multiple
inch margins. environments (see second page for definitions)
Digital format: Any 4. How you will apply what youve learned this semester to
software, such as future academic projects
Audacity or Voice Memo,
iMovie, etc. that can be From the Framework for Success in Postsecondary Writing
shared and posted to Habits of mind refers to ways of approaching learning that are
Canvas. both intellectual and practical and that will support students
success in a variety of fields and disciplines. There are eight habits
Sources: Multiple: Use of mind essential for success in college writing:
your own writing, any Curiosity the desire to know more about the world.
course documents and Openness the willingness to consider new ways of being
materials, any other and thinking in the world.
relevant materials, and Engagement a sense of investment and involvement in
also reference the learning.
Framework for Success in Creativity the ability to use novel approaches for
Post-Secondary Writing generating, investigating, and representing ideas.
Length: 3 page Persistence the ability to sustain interest in and attention

minimum or the digital to short- and long-term projects.

equivalent, about 7 Responsibility the ability to take ownership of ones

minutes of audio or video.
Due: On Canvas and in
your e-portfolio, Monday,
May 1 at 11 a.m.
actions and understand the consequences of those actions
for oneself and others.
Flexibility the ability to adapt to situations, expectations,
or demands.
Metacognition the ability to reflect on ones own thinking
as well as on the individual and cultural processes used to
structure knowledge.
 Rhetorical knowledge the ability to analyze and act on understandings of
audiences, purposes, and contexts in creating and comprehending texts;

Critical thinking the ability to analyze a situation or text and make thoughtful
decisions based on that analysis, through writing, reading, and research;

Writing processes multiple strategies to approach and undertake writing and

research;

Knowledge of conventions the formal and informal guidelines that define what
is considered to be correct and appropriate, or incorrect and inappropriate, in a
piece of writing; and

Abilities to compose in multiple environments from using traditional pen and

paper to electronic technologies.