today’s advertising media

For this assignment, you will write an 1100-word research paper using proper APA format and in argumentative mode. The abstract should be 100 words and the body (excluding the cover page and reference page) of the paper should be 1000 words. Be sure to use the template for a research paper that you created in Week One, and provide direct support from your sources. It would be best to use the readings from your textbook, but other sources can also be used. At least three sources are required. Choose ONE of the following topics:
• Chapter One: Consider the images of boys and girls as offered by today’s advertising media. Identify images from print or video advertising that reflect or reinforce gender differences. Write an essay in which you show how gender differences are represented in advertising media.
• Chapter Two: Consider the readings that focus on the issues of family happiness. Is there such a thing as a truly “happy family”? What makes a family happy? Write a persuasive paper in which you argue for your view of family happiness. Reflect on the Tolstoy quotation in your argument.
• Chapter Three: In a number of the selections in this chapter, we get an argument, either implicit or explicit, about what a meaningful education ought to be. Frame what you believe that argument is and show how it becomes apparent in the selections you choose.
• Chapter Four: After listening to the audio selections from this chapter, write an essay responding to the following: Do the men and women in these audio selections appear to talk differently about love and hate, or is it possible to generalize? What do you think about the way the sexes approach or broach these two strong emotions?
• Chapter Five: A question that arises with respect to war, especially in the United States, is the question of a draft. In your opinion, should there be a draft in this country? What are the pros and cons of compulsory military service? Write an essay in which you argue for or against the idea of a draft.
• Chapter Six: The rise in prison population can be attributed to the increased rates of incarceration for nonviolent drug offenders and three-strike laws. Write a paper in which you argue for or against incarceration for nonviolent drug offenders. Use the readings in this chapter to support your claims.
• Chapter Seven: Does the beauty and majesty of the natural world need to be tied to a higher or more spiritual force to be truly understood? Why or why not?
• Chapter Eight: Focus on the differences that separate commercial art from politicized art. Are the two as separate and mutually exclusive as they sometimes appear? Can you make a case for the superiority of one over the other?
• Chapter Nine: How does human intelligence compare to intelligence in the animal kingdom? With humans we speak of different varieties of intelligence, including emotional intelligence. There are obviously different types of intelligence within the animal world. What are they?
• Chapter Ten: Many see the development of cloning and genetic engineering as holding the potential to solve many of humankind’s ills. Others see the potential for danger if progress is left unchecked. Write an essay in which you argue for or against genetic engineering as a method of improving the circumstances of humans. Use the readings from the chapter as sources.
HOW TO SUBMIT THIS ASSIGNMENT:
(1) Save your Microsoft Word file as this format: AustinA_Critical Analysis (Be sure to use your name in place of the example. Also note that the format is complete last name, (no space) first initial, underscore, then title of assignment.)
(2) Click on DROPBOX.
(3) Click on Week 3: Critical Analysis Paper, then on GO. (You may have a step before this that indicates “Add. . .”)
(4) Upload your file as an attachment. DO NOT submit the work in the comments box. Be sure to click save.
(5) Check your OUTBOX (in the DROPBOX area) to be sure that your attachment is actually attached.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS PAPER
SENTENCE-LEVEL Exceptional
(25 points) Competent (20 points) Developing / Emerging (15 points) Novice (10 points)
Sentence Structure (Grammar) Each sentence structured effectively, powerfully; rich, well-chosen variety of sentence styles and length. Sentences are clear, grammatical, and show variety. Formulaic or repetitive sentence patterns; some errors in sentence construction; some non-standard syntax. Simple sentences used excessively; frequent errors of sentence structure.
Mechanics (Punctuation) and
Presentation Free of punctuation, spelling, or capitalization errors; paper format and presentation appropriate for assignment. Contains some common punctuation, spelling, or capitalization errors; paper format and presentation appropriate. Standard Mechanics but contains repeated idiosyncratic errors in punctuation, spelling or capitalization; paper format is inconsistent. Contains many punctuation, spelling, or capitalization which impede meaning; paper format is non-standard.
Vocabulary and
Word Usage Exceptional and apt vocabulary; effective word usage. Competent vocabulary range; some vernacular terms. Basic vocabulary, some words used improperly; level of formality is inconsistent or inappropriate for assignment. Limited vocabulary; usage is inaccurate.
ESSAY STRUCTURE Exceptional
(25 points) Competent (20 points) Developing / Emerging (15 points) Novice (10 points)
Paragraph Development and Coherence Each paragraph fully develops one central idea and supports larger argument. Most paragraphs well focused and explore one central idea clearly identified in a topic sentence. Paragraph length either inappropriately short or long; topic sentences, absent, unclear, or ineffective. No clear paragraph breaks, or purely arbitrary ones. Paragraphs rarely identify a unified topic.
Introduction and Conclusion Introduction engages reader, evokes and explores the paper’s main issues; conclusion extends and explores implications of thesis. Clear introduction that presents main issues or problems. Logical conclusions based on claims and evidence presented Brief introduction that moves rapidly to thesis; conclusion mechanically restates introduction. No clear development leading from introduction to conclusion, or conclusion unrelated to rest of paper
Progression of Ideas / Logical Flow Effective sequence of ideas; graceful transitions that clearly locate readers within unfolding argument. Distinct ideas coherently arranged; clear transition between major points. Uneven; some ideas well developed; some ideas brief, undeveloped, or seemingly dropped in; few transitions. Lack or structure with ideas that jump or are rarely developed; no transitions.
IDEA DEVELOPMENT Exceptional
(25 points) Competent (20 points) Developing / Emerging (15 points) Novice (10 points)
Thesis and Ideas Strong, clear, nuanced thesis that structures paper. Shows substantial depth, fullness, and complexity of thought. Thesis is clearly stated and is controlling force in paper. Ideas are complex and show careful reading of sources. Thesis is implied but not clearly stated, or thesis lacks complexity. Ideas often depend on “common knowledge,” platitudes, or clichés. Thesis is unclear, vague, or unrelated the paper. Paper lacks central idea or does not respond appropriately to assignment.
Development of Argument Complex, insightful, and engaging argument, capable of surprising reader; logic and structure of argument clearly explicated. Well-built argument, organized, logical; nature of argument appropriate to kind of claim in thesis and intended audience. Satisfactory development from beginning to end, interior sections occasionally undeveloped or unrelated. Disorganized, hard to follow; may be repetitive or wander.
Use of Supporting Evidence Provides substantial, well-chosen evidence. Writer explores counter arguments and effectively ameliorates them. Provides adequate and appropriate evidence and contextualizes it. Writer may state and refute counterarguments. Provides some evidence, but not always relevant, often narrative or anecdotal; relies on own opinion without support. Few if any examples or quotes, frequent unsupported assertions, or evidence presented that is not related to thesis.
USE OF SOURCES Exceptional
(25 points) Competent (20 points) Developing / Emerging (15 points) Novice (10 points)
Sources: Quality and Integration Extensive range of sources applicable to topic. Quotes, paraphrases, or summaries critically integrated into discussion. Adequate range of appropriate sources, including occasional primary sources. Quotes generally well integrated into discussion. Over reliance on one or two sources, often unreliable sources. Frequent use of large block quotes or quotes presented with minimal discussion. Few if any sources used, or sources used not relevant to argument.
Consistent and Correct Citation Meticulous citations and references, format adheres consistently to field-appropriate citation system. Format of citations and references generally consistent with field-appropriate citation format, (APA). Consistent errors in citation or reference format. Inconsistent, or inappropriate citations, sometimes entirely absent. Citations do not match references.
Synthesis and Critical Analysis of Sources Relationships between source materials clearly explicated. Paper contains critical insights into strengths and limitations of sources. Provides multiple perspectives and a clear context for source materials. Discussion appropriately identifies the relative importance of sources. Paper shows little perspective on the validity or importance of sources; may exhibit unqualified adoption of single perspective. Generally too few sources to synthesize; often restates the obvious.