Argument & Research Syllabus

The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function. F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940)

An Argument is Reasons Advanced toward a Conclusion.

Course Goals: Rhetoric and advancing a well-reasoned argument in written and properly documented form is the aim of this course. Successful completion of Argument & Research will satisfy the graduation requirement of passing a research paper. In this course, students will address the following Common Core Standards:

Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing & speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text. Analyze the structure of texts and how paragraphs relate to one another and the whole of the composition. Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, including the validity of the reasoning as well as the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence. Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to the task, purpose, and audience. Conduct sustained research projects. Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each source, and integrate the information while avoiding plagiarism

Student Expectations: Students are expected to come to class on time with the appropriate materials: the book(s) we are using, netbook , and notebook and a writing utensil. All formal academic papers should be the students original and best work, and should be turned in on time. Papers should go through the drafting, review, revision, and editing processes. We will facilitate the writing process through our efforts in the classroom and through the use of the ELI Review software. Plagiarism will not be tolerated. Please document all sources according to the MLA rules as posted on the teacher webpage at www.nmps.k12.mi.us. Assessment: Students must participate fully in each ELI Review session, and produce a quality formal research paper at the conclusion of the course. NMHS Grading Scale
A+ A AB+ B B100-98 93-97 90-92 87-89 83-86 80-82 C+ C CD+ D DE 77-79 73-76 70-72 67-69 63-66 60-62 59 or below