argument synthesis- Obedience to authority
Essay 3: Argument Synthesis – Obedience to Authority
You’ve completed one research essay this semester, which will help you write this argumentative research essay. This essay – Argument Synthesis – will approach how to combine connecting sources together with constructing an argumentative position. For this essay, topics must be related to (or based upon) material from the Obedience to Authority unit on Blackboard. You will research and evaluate materials to argue for a particular position or answer to a research question. In addition, you will be required to use research to connect and support your argument, as well as forward the discussion on your topic.

The Assignment
Using the same research methods employed in Essay 2, you will write a 4-6 page essay, using 3-5 sources, to argue for a position or answer to a research question. While it may seem like your topic choices are limited, I assure you they are not – they must simply relate to the unit material at hand. You must also address and respond to at least one opposing argument in your essay. The basics of including opposing views/voices into your essay will be covered in class. Unlike Essay 2, this essay does not require use of a source from the specific unit (Obedience to Authority). However, you may still use the sources from the Obedience to Authority unit if you so choose. ALSO – keep in mind that this is argumentative and not explanatory. This means that while you are STILL required to connect sources together, your analysis of those connections should support or challenge your argument.

Topic Selection: Where to Begin?
As indicated earlier, it may seem like your topics are extremely limited, but topic selection not as limited as it may seem. You can very easily take some current events and fit them into the discussion from class and the unit – or, explore an entirely different discussion related to the themes and topic from the Obedience to Authority unit. Most of the issues we deal with in life have something to do with power, authority, or obedience/disobedience. These following questions my help guide you in topic selection:
• Is there a system of authority in place? Who is in charge, and why?
• Are there any sort of legal issues, cultural conflicts, or power struggles between individuals or groups?
• How does this issue relate to me? How am I influenced or impacted by power, authority, and resistance?
A quick scan of recent events in the news is also very telling in regards to potential topics. You’ll find if you simply keep your eyes and ears open, there are plenty of things to write about for this essay.

Formatting
All formatting stays the same: 12 point Times New Roman Font; header including your name, instructor, class, and date on the first page ONLY; 1” margins on all sides of the paper; double spaced throughout (including your Works Cited paper); and your last name and page number in the upper right corner of every page. There are also no footnotes for these essays, unless you wish to explain a complicated idea, concept, or term without taking up space in the body of your essay. Otherwise, you must stick to the MLA guidelines for citing sources in-text.

Due Dates:
Rough Draft – Thursday, 10/29
Final Draft Due Date – Tuesday, 11/10
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