Research as a Conversation

With the site and subjects With the existing scholarship With the reader

Making arguments

Argument Argument is an attempt to inspire judgment in an another about something uncertain using reasons drawn from what the audience already knows and believes.

Parts of an Argument Claim: A statement about something uncertain

Parts of an Argument Claim: A statement about something uncertain Reason: Why we should agree

Parts of an Argument Claim: A statement about something uncertain Reason: Why we should agree Evidence: What facts support the reason

Parts of an Argument Claim: A statement about something uncertain Reason: Why we should agree Evidence: What facts support the reason Warrant: Underlying (often implicit, common sense) assumptions that make the claim/support plausible

Parts of an Argument Claim: That guy is not boyfriend material.

Parts of an Argument Claim: That guy is not boyfriend material. Reason: Evidence: Warrant:

Parts of an Argument Consider counterarguments at the level of the reasoning or underlying warrant.

Parts of an Argument Claim: Reason: Evidence: Warrant:

Scholarly Conversations

Engage with the best writing on your subject

Scholarly Conversations Engage with the best writing on your subject Use specific articles to help make specific points (don’t assume you’ll find an article on your exact topic). Divide your topic into distinct sub-topics (e.g. leadership, gender, performance, body-image) and find articles to support each sub-topic.

Scholarly Conversations Engage with the best writing on your subject Use specific articles to help make specific points.

Scholarly Conversations Engage with the best writing on your subject Use specific articles to help make specific points. Summarize and explain the article or chapter’s best or most relevant argument

Scholarly Conversations Engage with the best writing on your subject Use specific articles to help make specific points. Summarize and explain the article or chapter’s best or most relevant argument Offer a critique, extension, or affirmation

Scholarly Conversations Engage with the best writing on your subject Use specific articles to help make specific points. Summarize and explain the article or chapter’s best or most relevant argument Offer a critique, extension, or affirmation Use “They Say, I Say” writing templates