Week 1
Lesson 1
 Introductions to Class and Project Topic Selections
Students will spend the majority of class going over the overall research project assignment, what the requirements are, and how to choose an appropriate topic for their project. For homework, students will write a one-page proposal for their project that will be approved by the instructor. Students will be expected to choose a topic where they will choose a side and develop a research paper outlining why they have chosen their position on the matter. 
 Week 2
Lesson 2
Finding Credible Sources 1--What Makes a Credible Source?
In this first week on source selection, students will begin with an overview of how to evaluate a source's credibility, including author or organization evaluation, determining potential bias, and using up-to-date information. Students will spend a portion of today's class also learning how to effectively take notes and engage with materials when researching, including tools like skimming large works for relevant information, self-summarizing, and using bullet points or mind maps. 
 Week 3
Lesson 3
Finding Credible Sources 2--Using the Internet Responsibly
This class focuses entirely on using the internet responsibly for academic research projects! First, students will cover the basics of identifying credible source materials on the web, including how to identify the sponsor of a website, how to identify biased sources, and using Wikipedia effectively and appropriately. Students will be provided with a rubric they can use when engaging with websites to identify if they are credible resources. 
 Week 4
Lesson 4
Organizing an Argumentative Paper
In this lesson, students will consider outlining their paper and evaluate for gaps in the project and places to improve upon. They will think about the organization for their paper and be introduced to several styles of organization that may help them to communicate their views to their audience effectively. 
 Week 5
Lesson 5
Writing an Effective Thesis Statement and Organizing an Argument
Students will discuss how to develop a clear thesis statement that guides their readers through their research project and how to format an introduction to an argumentative project in a neutral, but strong manner.
 Week 6
Lesson 6
Supporting Your Argument, Using Formal Language, and Avoiding Logical Fallacies
To communicate effectively, they will learn how to avoid logical fallacies within their writing to ensure a strong discussion, as well as the use of formal language. This will allow students to avoid using emotionally charged, biased language that could, ultimately undermine their own argument. The goal of today's class is for students to learn how to argue strongly with a neutral, objective, formal writing style.  We will also have a short crash course on MLA citations.
 Week 7
Lesson 7
Addressing Conflicting Viewpoints in Your Writing and  Concluding
In today's class, students will learn about addressing opposing viewpoints in their work. We will discuss why it is important to acknowledge the other side of an argument, how that adds to the strength of your own work, and how to do it effectively. 
 Week 8
Lesson 8
Research Project Wrap-Up and Brief Presentations
In the final class of the course, students will address the final paper requirements and wrap up the paper project, as well as complete a brief slideshow about their project.