How We Connect

ASSIGNMENT TOPIC:  You will be required to write a 1500+ word CAUSAL argument (not to be confused with casual or classical) related to the “How We Connect” unit. Your causal argument will argue a causal relationship, whether that is a cause that creates different effects, or whether you are looking backwards at an effect and arguing that it was caused by specific things. There are three structures you can use to create your causal argument are explained below. You will choose one of the three methods below to write your essay. ABOUT THE CLASSICAL ARGUMENT ESSAY The cause-effect relationship that you choose to argue may be on a topic of your choosing with one caveat:  the subject matter of your causal argument must relate to “How We Connect” from Acting Out Culture. For example, you could argue a cause-effect relationship between social media and relationships, between technology and our communication skills, or anything else. There area  number of topics that you could write about that still relate to the unit. The topic you choose must not be too broad or vague, too circular, or too narrow in scope. The causal relationship that you establish must also be debatable to ensure that your argument is persuasive. How to Create Your Essay: Causal Argument Structure Options Your argument must demonstrate a logical cause and effect relationship. Your argument must be free of logical fallacies, and you must support your claims with evidence from the book. Additionally, after you support your claims with evidence, you must explain how the evidence supports your claim with reasoning. You will follow the same structure as a classical argument. Use the claims-evidence-reasoning model with a concession and refutation (rebuttal) paragraph before concluding your essay. You can create your causal argument in one of three ways identified in your textbook (p 242) and discussed in class. OPTION #1 Arguments that state a cause and examine its effects Cause A ————-> leads to Effect B ^——————>also leads to Effect C ^——————>also leads to Effect D This option is the most straightforward. You have a cause, and you are arguing that this cause has created certain effects.    OPTION #2 Arguments that state an effect and then trace back to its causes. Effect W ————-> stems from Cause X ^—————–> also stems from Cause Y ^—————–> also stems from Cause Z This type of argument looks backward. You have an effect, and you have determined its causes. That is what you will argue, that the effect was caused by… (your claims).   OPTION #3 Arguments that move through a series of links: A causes B, which leads to C and perhaps D Cause A ? leads to Cause B ? leads to Cause C ? leads to EFFECT D ******proceed with caution if choosing this option: this option can create a slippery slope fallacy if not well supported********   About your SOURCE requirement: NO LESS THAN TWO SOURCES must be used and referenced in the text of your essay and in your Works Cited page. One source must be from your textbook, Acting Out Culture “How We Connect” Additional sources may come from other reliable sources, such as journals, JJC databases, reputable, unbiased newspapers (but not blog posts!), or other articles in your textbook I recommend that you use no more than three sources.