ENG102: Major Assignments

In this class, we will be writing three short papers and one longer paper. In theory, the three shorter papers will all build to the longer paper in order to break down the task.

All papers should be done in standard MLA format. We will discuss that format in class. Some basics include:

Double space
1 inch margins all around (please not that MS Word defaults to 1.5 inches, so you will need to change them).
Heading formats can be found here.
Please revisit the Paper Preparation Guidelines for file format requirements.
Your file should be named "YournameProjectNumber" (so I would submit Project 1 as Busker1)

Project 1: Analyzing Arguments

In this project, you will use rhetorical principles evaluate the merit of an argument, or more particularly, the comparative merits of an argument. Your job is to find two or more opposing arguments on the same issue, and evaluate their comparative merits. In other words, which is more persuasive, and why?

Assignment Page

Project 2: I-Search Paper

In this project, you will begin investigating your topic with open-ended research. Your paper will chronicle your research process. The goal of this paper is to give you time to begin investigating your topic without worrying about an argument or angle. Instead of writing a paper in which you use research to support an argument, you will write a paper about the research you do.

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Project 3: Prospectus and Bibliography

In this project, you will present a tentative plan for your final research paper and a tentative list of sources.

Assignment Page

Format Page

Project 4: Research Paper

Write an academic research paper in which you adopt and defend a position on your topic using outside sources to support your contentions. This is the big one, folks. The one we've been working up to, the one that will count as a massive part of your grade. This is also the one where you're going to take that research you've been doing (will continue to do) and make it, well, do something.

Assignment Page