Choose a topic of interest

The first essay assignment for this class is one that is deceptively difficult. I mean to say that most people shudder at or are intimidated by the word synthesis. By the time you finish this paper, you will not only be comfortable with the word but also be able to master the form from within other essays.
According to Behrens and Rosen, a synthesis is “a written discussion that draws upon two or more sources” (94). For this assignment, you are to write an argument synthesis. We might deduce that an argument synthesis is a written argument that draws upon two or more sources.
Most likely, you’ve already had practice writing an argumentative essay. The difference between an argumentative essay and an argument synthesis is twofold: first, a synthesis relies heavily on research. Second, in a synthesis, you must organize the ideas found in the research around your main arguments. In other words, you must organize the research and not let the research organize you.
Task: Choose a topic of interest to you based on your area of study, a topic we’ve read about this semester, or one suitable for academic debate. If you can relate the paper to your particular field or major, that is preferred, but it is not an absolute requirement. Please feel free to contact me if you would like advice or clarification.
Length: 5 – 6 pages (not including bibliography/works cited)
Citation Requirement: 3-5 Primary Sources
Submission Requirements: See syllabus for due dates. Paper should be double spaced and written in 12 point Times New Roman Font. You must have a works cited page properly formatted in MLA or APA format.
Other Guidelines: You will want to find academic sources that are fitting to your topic. Here are a list of sources that I recommend you use:

-Newspapers of repute. (New York Times, Washington Post, etc.)
-Government websites and databases. (Most any website with .gov)

– Academic journals (Use the Owensboro online library or physical library to explore academic journals).

– Use Google scholar. (https://scholar.google.com/). The articles returned here will be of high quality OFTEN, but you should be careful still.

– DO NOT use Wikipedia, but you may use some of the information at the end of a Wikipedia entry to lead you to sources that are useful.