A Rogerian argument

A Rogerian argument

A Rogerian argument is different than a traditional pro-con argument, of which you may be more familiar from previous writing assignments. The point of a Rogerian argument is to find ways to COMPROMISE so that both sides get something, but no one gets everything. Try to find an even number of sources on each side to give adequate support for all. Remember that this is not just a report on both sides of an issue. You do have to take a stand, but you also have to show that you really understand the opposition and then suggest ways that the sides could come together. For more of an explanation, view this PowerPoint: The Pro-Con Argument and Rogerian Argument * What topic should you choose? * Any topics from the following LRC databases can be used. You must email your instructor for approval of any topic not included in the approved list below. * ICC Learning Resource Center web page (includes all databases and other helpful information) * Choose topics from the following MELO databases (left side of page): * CQ Researcher * Issues & Controversies * Point of View * SIRS Researcher * If you cannot find a topic from these databases, you may choose one from the approved list. View the list of Approved Research Project Topic Ideas. * Using Sources to Support Your Argument (Claims) * Using Evidence * Be sure to review Logical Fallacies * Primary Sources * Secondary Sources * Source Integration * Research Strategies (including Database Searching and Internet Searching) * Annotated Bibliographies (What is that?) * Tips on Writing an Annotated Bibliography * Annotating Sources for Arguments (Be sure to review the sample argumentative annotated bibliography for this project) * Evaluating Sources * What is a Scholarly Article? (video) * Authorship & Authority * Evaluating Online Sources * See it in Practice: Evaluating Sources example * Click this link to access the ICC LRC Research Help document. * Research for your paper will be conducted through the online ICC LRC or the campus LRC at your college. * Random internet sources will not be accepted as valid sources. (examples NOT acceptable: Wikipedia, SparkNotes, StudyMode, Schmoop, CliffsNotes, LitCharts, GradeSaver, etc. Also, some random person’s blog on the Internet is NOT a credible source!) Directions: 1. Decide on one debatable topic that includes at least two different sides so that you can research all sides in order to find a compromise for all at the end of your project. * Remember that a question will help you formulate your thesis. Your thesis statement will be the answer and then you will prove the thesis statement to be true with your thoughts and with the support of your sources. Be sure that your thesis statement considers ALL sides of this debatable topic. In other words, don’t write a pro-con position thesis statement, since that’s only ONE side of this debate (and only one side of your entire project). * Your thesis statement should clearly present the main idea of your essay and make some kind of assertion (even if that assertion is about bringing two sides together). * Your thesis should not make an “announcement” about what your essay will cover. Instead, it should just present your assertion. (from Excelsior Online Writing Lab) 2. Research the topic/issue you have chosen using the LRC databases. You must have good, credible, substantial evidence in order for your ideas/claims to be adequately supported and have have “real value” in this project.