Position writing presents an arguable opinion about an issue. The goal of a position paper is to convince the audience that a opinion is valid. Ideas need to be carefully examined in choosing a topic, developing the argument, and organizing the paper. It is very important to address all sides of the issue and present it in a manner that is easy for the audience to understand. Take one side of the argument. It is important to support the argument with evidence to ensure the validity of the claims, as well as to address the counterclaims.

Recommended length: 4-5 pages, double-spaced in 12pt font. APA Format.

The Position Essay: 15% (SLOs Chapter 2 a)

At this stage of the research essay, the synthesis essay has allowed students to become familiar with a variety of opinions on their topic of interest. Now, again, in preparation for the final essay, students are required to take a position on their topic. Throughout the research process, students might find their position shift. It is especially important to allow students to explore different positions, and to be encouraged that this is often evidence of maturity in their critical thinking process. As they read, new ideas may take hold, new questions arise; thus, new positions are formed. Ask them to be active readers and to observe what persuades them as a reader and why. Recommended Length: 4-5 pages. APA Format.

Purpose: To argue your position on an issue raised in at least two of the articles we have read, showing how your position relates to those authors.

Audience: An academic audience that includes the authors of the readings and other interested in the issue upon which you are focusing.

Questions for Consideration and Topic Exploration: Identify a key global challenge (linked to our course themes), given our continued reading and discussion, that you would like to explore and lead you toward your final research paper. After providing information on the challenge, you will then provide your stance on the issue and advocate for a means to overcome the global challenge. Please utilize the following theory, symbolic interactionism, to ground your paper (you may also incorporate critical or conflict theory, if applicable). As well, utilize a variety of sources beyond our course texts to help solidify your position on the global challenge. These should include scholarly journals (at least one), newspaper articles, international organizations websites (UN, OECD, World Bank, Grameen Bank, etc) as well as other materials related to the global challenge you have identified.

Rubric

200 Level Grading Rubric: Written Communication v2018