Final Critical Paper

Instructions

Prompt: You will select a real-world topic from a provided list to focus your critical essay on. A list of topics is provided in the Final Project Topics and Resources section of the course. Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed in your critical essay:

• Introduction: To begin your essay, you will formally introduce your chosen real-world topic. As the foundation of your paper, your introduction should engage the audience and establish any necessary background.

1. Provide a brief overview of the topic. For example, you might consider the premise of the conversation and why the topic is being discussed.
2. Describe any personal connection you have to the topic. Why is the topic of particular interest to you?

• Presented Argument: In this section, you will explore the argument in your chosen artifact. You will uncover the logical structure of the argument and investigate any bias behind its claims.

1. Describe the argument made by the primary article for your chosen topic.
2. Identify key facts, research, or resources the argument is based on. Provide specific examples to support your identification.
3. Describe the logic and reasoning used to advance the argument and any gaps or weaknesses present. Consider the premises and conclusion advanced in the artifact, and the questions that are left unanswered.
4. Explain how the argument contains or avoids bias. Provide specific examples to support your explanation.
5. Discuss the credibility of the overall argument. For example, were the resources the argument was built on credible? Does this credibility support or undermine the artifact’s claims in any important ways?

Everything below this line is new material you MUST add to your paper. The above you have completed in Milestone One and Two. 

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• Your Argument: In this section, you will craft your argument to counter the one that was initially presented. You will support your position with the critical thinking skills you’ve learned throughout the course.
  1. Construct a counter argument to the primary article. Support your response using the provided resources AND additional research. I encourage you to include at least two sources to support your counter-argument.
  2. Explain your logic and reasoning as you craft your argument. For example, you might consider assumptions and resources.
  3. Identify any weaknesses in your argument that would require additional research or support.
  4. Explain how your previously identified personal experience with the topic may create emotional influences, values, or other bias.

• Application of Science: In this section, you will reflect back on the process of critical thinking as it relates to the future of the topic, in terms of scientific study.

1. Consider the future of your topic. Design a study that could be used in the future to find more information on the topic you studied. Consider the weaknesses you mentioned in the previous section and design a study that could answer those questions.
2. Consider sample size, control group, what you are researching, will there be a placebo group and etc… These are just some possible questions to consider.