Choose a decent folder, nothing too fancy. Put your name on the front cover somehow. Please turn in:

Your four papers, completed drafts

Your 12 best journal entries

A statement of what you learned from this class

This paper will follow the "upside down pyramid" format. It should have six sources in its bibliography, at least, and should be written as a persuasive gesture to an audience with an opposed opinion. So, you need to start with commonplaces, proceed to a discussion of the values embedded in your issue, continue with lines of argument, and then end with a discussion of which line of argument is superior, and why.

"A" paper: Thesis stated in full at the end, not in beginning or middle. Comprehensive discussion of the context in which the issue is embedded. Treatment of all or most of the most prominent opinions on an issue. Comprehensive and fair discussion of the various positions, taking into account the fundamental values implied in each of the major positions on an issue. Point-by-point explanation of the superiority of the author's position to all opposing points of view.

"B" paper: Thesis described somewhat in middle, parts of thesis at end. Discussion of some of the basic facts of context in which the issue is embedded. Treatment of more than one opinion on the issue. Discussion of those opinions that takes into account some of the values implied in their positions. Explanations of the superiority of the author's perspective that takes into account some of the objections of opposing points of view.

"C" paper: Thesis described entirely in the middle. Mention of some of the facts of the context in which the issue is embedded. Treatment of an opposing opinion on an issue. Discussion of that opinion that mentions a value implied in its position. Explanation of the superiority of the author's perspective that goes beyond mere statement of that position to a minimal comparison of opinions.

"D" or "F" paper: Thesis described at beginning of paper. Little or no comparison of context. No opposing opinions discussed. Statement of the superiority of the author's position, no explanation.