Causal Argument Assignment given 2/24 Your assignment is to write a causal argument supported by research. You may choose any causal issue related to current events in the news, uses current events as examples of support, or how the media influences current events or issues.

Causal Argument Assignment given 2/24

 Your assignment is to write a causal argument supported by research.   You may choose any causal issue related to current events in the news, uses current events as examples of support, or how the media influences current events or issues.

For example, you might focus on any of these research questions:

• School shootings
• How much influence does the media have on elections?  How does the media shape our understanding of a particular issue?
• Why don’t more eligible voters in Texas vote in the presidential election?  What motivates a group of eligible voters to register and vote (or not to register and vote)?
• What would be the consequences of mass deportation of undocumented immigrants?
• What causes gun violence?  What motivates mass shootings? 
• What are the consequences of funding cuts to (or funding of) food assistance programs? 
• What are the causes and consequences of “body shaming”?
• How much impact does human activity have on global warming, species extinction,  pollution, or availability of water?  How do we affect the environment?
• What are the consequences of criminalizing (or decriminalizing) marijuana?
• Why are African Americans and Latinos incarcerated at higher rates than whites?
• What causes homelessness among college students?
• What are the consequences of technology on human relationships?
• Can you be discriminated against because of the way you speak?  What are the consequences of “linguistic racism”? 
• What are the causes and or consequences of “body shaming”?

A working causal thesis (claim plus stated reasons) can be written in the form X is caused by A, B, C. . . or X causes A, B, C. . .  (or a combination of the two forms.) 

You must include at least THREE authoritative and current sources in support of your argument. Your sources should be parenthetically cited within your essay and documented on your Works Cited page.  

Your argument must include a visual component, a relevant image or images that illustrate your argument within the text. You may also use charts and graphs of information as long as it is cited.

Your paper should meet the following requirements:

• 4 pages of text before pics are added and not including your works cited page

• formatted according to MLA style: typed double-spaced in 12 point Times New Roman font, 1” margins.   (No cover pages, please; use the simple heading.  Number each page with your last name and the page number in the upper right hand corner.) 
• well-documented, including parenthetical citations and a works cited page formatted according to MLA guidelines
• effectively organized into coherent paragraphs with smooth transitions
• grammatically sound and carefully crafted with attention to sentence coordination (no fragments or run-ons of any kind) and carefully proofread.

Grading criteria for final draft

Timeline of due dates:

3/25   Hard copy Draft at a minimum of 50% due in class for peer review.

3/27   Final paper due by the end of class with the following components:

Your assignment folder should include

ü must be in a folder or report cover

ü a revised and edited final essay with a carefully chosen and placed image

ü evidence of revision: any working drafts, but definitely the peer reviewed draft