Argumentative Research Project (325 points total)
Over the next several weeks, you will develop, research, write, and submit an argumentative research project in several steps. An argumentative research paper takes a position on a debatable topic and presents evidence derived from sources to support its position. This project has multiple phases/assignments:
First: Select one of the topics you have already written on for this semester. Use one of your module essays as a place to begin. Once you have selected the topic you wish to do further research on, go do the research:
Assignment 1: An Annotated Bibliography (100 points): This is a written presentation of your research on the subject. It includes a summary of the source’s information and an MLA formatted citation.
Step by step instructions:
1. Locate a source (book, article, etc.) on your chosen topic.
2. Read it. Really, read it. The whole thing. Completely. All of it.
3. After reading the source, write a brief summary paragraph of the main ideas of the source. DO NOT USE THE ABSTRACTS FROM THE DATABASES. That is plagiarism. You MUST write your own summaries of the articles from your own reading.
4. Construct a citation for the source using MLA citation format. If you don’t know how to do this, you need to ask me for help.
5. Repeat 3 & 4 for a total of four (4) sources.
6. Create the annotated bibliography (see example on eLearn)
7. Submit the final, proofread, copy to the dropbox on eLearn
Now that you’ve done your research, time to write:
Assignment 2: The Final Draft of your Paper (200 points)
 Your final thesis statement MUST be approved by me. Be sure to bring it to me during class while we are working in the library. It must have a Claim and Reasons for your claim.
 This final essay is the same essay we have been writing all semester, but now you will include more research (at least 4 sources) and extend the paper to a minimum of 1200.
 You will submit the final, polished, ready-to-be-graded copy of your paper including an MLA formatted Works Cited page to the dropbox on eLearn by the due date indicated below