This 8 week course is designed to thoroughly examine the writing process for argumentative essays. We will lay down the foundations by exploring what makes it argument, studying the structure and anatomy of the five-paragraph essay, and examine topics which can be argued. This will also involve the peer-review process and proper citation of materials (MLA format). I don't believe in right or wrong answers within argument, however critical-thinking skills will be a necessity. I may challenge a student's viewpoint, or challenges may come from their peers. The point is, and by definition is what makes it argument, is that there will be opposing viewpoints. How will the student work within that to support their own ideas?

Week 1:
What makes an argument? Examine examples of good argumentative writing, and not-so-good argumentative writing. The anatomy of the 5-paragraph essay. General outlines. MLA format: how to properly cite sources and avoid plagiarism.
Week 2: 
Students will begin working on an introductory paragraph. How does one write an introduction? What are the major parts of an introductory paragraph? Emphasis will be placed on the thesis statement. What makes a thesis statement effective? "So what?" Self-revisions of a thesis. Begin working with external sources (I will provide PDFs of these which will be posted in the class chat room).
Week 3:
Body paragraph 1: the claim. We will outline our body paragraphs and begin the process of making points. Evidence will come from the citations found in the provided materials. Continue working with external sources.
Week 4:
Body paragraph 2: the counterclaim. Outline the body paragraph, but be sure that this one is about what the other group says. Evidence of their statements is required. Continue working with external sources as needed.
Week 5:
Body paragraph 3: how to refute. Outline the body paragraph. Emphasis here is on how to disprove the stance of the other group. Be sure to include evidence!
Week 6:
Concluding paragraph: finishing strong! You've said your piece, now what do we do about it? What is a call to action, and why is it important to any argument? How to effectively summarize the whole essay in the last paragraph. Last chance to work in-class with external sources. Complete rough draft.
Week 7:
Peer and class review. Students will have the opportunity to peer-review each others work. This also gives them the opportunity to challenge each other further (perhaps have students with opposing viewpoints do reviews, and then again from someone with the same viewpoint).
Week 8:
Students will present their polished final drafts to the class. Practice your public speaking!

*Note: I am open to utilizing external sources/topics for writing these essays, but please contact me about topics*