Unit 9: Wrapping Up Questions 1-8 Using sources and APA Tips on Academic Writing Discussion of Final Project

Any questions or comments about Unit 1-8 before we jump into Unit 9?

Common APA Mistakes... APA errors are easily avoided with a little care. Like spelling and grammar, correct APA format is an essential part of your essay. Adhering to a specific format is a hallmark of good writing and editing. If you have questions about APA, check out the Writing Center’s help sheet at ss/writing/pdfs/research/An_Introduction_To_APA.pdf ss/writing/pdfs/research/An_Introduction_To_APA.pdf

How are sources integrated into a paper? How are sources documented?

Common Mistakes... Some people do not believe that global warming is a legitimate problem. They feel that it is an agenda being pushed by liberals. They cite shaky scientific evidence as a reason not to buy into the global warming craze. I think it’s interesting that a small group of scientists say that climate change is just part of living on Earth like when the Ice Age froze nearly every corner of the planet. If we overreact, we may be working toward an unstoppable phenomenon anyway. What’s missing here? How could we fix it?

Common Mistakes Reporting broad ideas with no specific research cited. How could these 3 quotes help? “The sun has been a bit absent in Temperatures are about what we would expect for this time of year, and perhaps even cooler than normal given the early snows and mild summer” (Li Soon,2009 ). “Global-warming priests, while sermonizing about the need to spend trillions on new energy sources, almost never have a kind word for nuclear power - casting doubt on their motives. If the goal were really to reduce our carbon output (and not to recast our way of life), clean, efficient, affordable nuclear power would be the obvious choice,” (Charon, 2009, p. 287). “In contrast with human-created DDT, CO2, a ‘greenhouse gas’ has been part of the earth's atmosphere as long as the earth has existed. About 450 million years ago, the earth's atmospheric CO2 level was about 2,000 percent higher than it is today, at the same time the earth's atmosphere was about the same temperature as today,” (Glueck & Cihak, 2006, p. 78).

Incorporating Research Student Writing Research Some people do not believe that global warming is a legitimate problem. They feel that it is an agenda being pushed by liberals. They cite shaky scientific evidence as a reason not to buy into the global warming craze. I think it’s interesting that a small group of scientists say that climate change is just part of living on Earth like when the Ice Age froze nearly every corner of the planet. If we overreact, we may be working toward an unstoppable phenomenon anyway. The sun has been a bit absent in Temperatures are about what we would expect for this time of year, and perhaps even cooler than normal given the early snows and mild summer.” Li Soon, “Global-warming priests, while sermonizing about the need to spend trillions on new energy sources, almost never have a kind word for nuclear power - casting doubt on their motives. If the goal were really to reduce our carbon output (and not to recast our way of life), clean, efficient, affordable nuclear power would be the obvious choice,” Mona Charon, “In contrast with human-created DDT, CO2, a ‘greenhouse gas’ has been part of the earth's atmosphere as long as the earth has existed. About 450 million years ago, the earth's atmospheric CO2 level was about 2,000 percent higher than it is today, at the same time the earth's atmosphere was about the same temperature as today,” Michael Arnold Glueck, M.D., and Robert J. Cihak, M.D., 2006.

Questions?

Some general tips for academic writing …

Reconsider First Person Writing  Essay writing falls into the category of formal writing.  Formal writing typically does not use first person (I, me, my, mine). It can undermine authority.  Formal writing also does not second person (you/your).  For the Final Project, whether to use first and/or second person depends on the person you have chosen to address and the tone of your project.

Reconsider Source Material Online sources versus print resources Quality of online sources Depending on a single source

Reconsider Structure Introduction with thesis statement Topic sentences carry the thesis through the essay Restatement of thesis at the beginning of the conclusion Organizational strategies to consider:  Broad to specific  Cause and effect  Process analysis  Classification  Problem-solution

Reconsider Style Introductions and conclusions are an ideal way to incorporate your sense of style into your essay The goal is to be engaging and informative Conclusions work like an upside-down introduction; think of a funnel and then reversing that funnel

Common Mistakes... Omitting one or more parts of the essay: 1. Make a checklist 2. Check that adequate time is spent discussing the thesis 3. Proofread

Final Project: Review of Instructions  Introduce yourself and/or your topic in an appropriate way to your “client.” You will need to identify a person who needs help—this can be someone from history, fiction (books, television, movies), a celebrity, or someone from your life.

Review of Instructions Sell the beloved family home because of a barking neighbor’s dog?! Sounds outrageous, but that is what some people have resorted to doing to escape the “torture.” Most people, at one point or another, will live next door to a neighbor or neighbors. And, for the most part, neighbors can interact with one another in a manner that is friendly and cordial. However, the cordial relationships can come under stress because of a variety of situations. One such situation that can turn into a problem is a dog that consistently cries and barks. This is precisely the problem that Tammy Smith is having. She works full time from home and spends much of her day on the phone, in meetings and conferences. The incessant noise negatively affects her ability to concentrate and get work done. Tammy needs help, but does not know where to begin. With the help of a “life coach,” Tammy will improve her quality of life in terms of work and post work relaxation, while also helping her maintain her relationship with the neighbors, if possible. By helping her to establish a goal, define the solution, and analyze the long-term effects, Tammy’s quality of life during and after work hours can be improved. (Three-point thesis as the LAST sentence of the intro paragraph)

Review of Instructions  Define the threshold he or she needs to cross and explain its significance

Review of Instructions To begin her journey to a quiet, peaceful, and productive life, the first step is to define Tammy’s goal. In order to handle this dilemma the right way, Tammy will need to “cross a threshold” that she has not crossed before. She will need to show courage, not only to have her needs met, but to do so in a way that preserves the relationship with the neighbor, if at all possible. Tammy should be familiarized with the “hero journey” that we are all embarking on in one way or another (Campbell, 1988). Her job is important to society, in that the work she does helps improve the lives of others; she must be able to concentrate during the day to accomplish these things. Her health and sanity as an individual are also important. On the other hand, as a “hero,” she should also seek peace with her neighbor. Her handling of this situation diplomatically is an elixir, a critical component to the well being of those involved (Campbell, 1991). In order to reach her goals, Tammy must first define her “hero’s journey” through this crisis; in other words, she must understand the steps to the “cure” or solution.  Transition to start off the first body paragraph topic sentence.

Review of Instructions  Create an extended definition of the way the hero’s journey steps in this course can help this person.

Review of Instructions The next step is to provide a definition of the solution options. There are three possible solutions in working to quiet a noisy dog. First, Tammy can try talking amicably to the owners of said dog, formulating a plan together. By trying this solution, an attempt can be made to maintain a friendly relationship, and stop the dog noise before having to escalate to the next level (Lisaius, 2010). If talking to the dog owner does not yield results, the next step is to file a formal complaint with the local animal control center; in this case, Pima Animal Care Center. According to Pima County ordinance , excessive dog noise is defined as,“ Owning, possessing, harboring or controlling any animal or animals […] which frequently or for continuous duration howls, barks, […] or makes other sounds” (2010). This potential solution can involve the dog owner facing fines of up to $500 per day if the noise is not stopped (Pima Animal Care Center, 2011). In addition to reporting the dog and its owner to Pima Animal Care, the neighbor can also call the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and report the noise nuisance. Lastly, the final solution, and probably the most drastic, is for the neighbor to take legal action against the dog owner. It is preferable that Tammy not have to resort to this option, since that will add more stress to life to have disharmony with her neighbor. At this point, Tammy should look at the long-term effects.  This topic sentence presents POINT TWO from the thesis letting the reader know what this paragraph will solely focus on.

Review of Instructions  Indicate the short and long-term benefits of this journey/solution)

Review of Instructions Now that the goal has been determined and the definition of a solution presented, the long-term effects can be analyzed. By establishing the goal and taking steps toward the defined solution, Tammy can begin to enjoy a higher quality of life and be a more productive member of the workforce. Tammy will not be faced with the bothersome and unpredictable interruptions that can cause for lack of concentration as a disruption to weekly phone meetings. Another example is that without the incessant noise, Tammy will have less stress to contend with, should issues or problematic situations at work arise. By successfully maintaining the neighborly relationship, Tammy will be able to have an ally rather than an enemy in her neighbor, which helps promote a less stressful home life, as well. Lastly, Tammy can proceed through the workday and then move onto domestic work or rest and relaxation at home without agitation or anger at continuing to hear the neighboring dog’s continuous noise.  Once more, a transition that helps the essay move to POINT THREE.  This topic sentence presents POINT THREE from the thesis letting the reader know what this paragraph will solely focus on.

Review of Instructions  Provide a conclusion that recaps your plan, leaves a positive impression, and provides a sense of closure.

Review of Instructions At the end of the day, an individual, like Tammy, who works from home and is disrupted daily by a barking, neighboring dog can find a resolution by having a clear goal, defining a solution to the problem, and looking at the long-term effects of the solution. By taking these steps, the affected neighbor can move towards ending stress and tension during and after the workday as well as working to maintain a positive and friendly relationship with her neighbor. Neighbors are a part of just about everyone’s life at one point or another. With a well- planned course of action, a neighbor affected by a barking dog can “cross the threshold” with courage and proceed to a noise- free workday as well as quiet time for rest and relaxation. The problem of a barking dog will hopefully have a quick and painless resolution, but a resolution must be had.  A transition that lets the reader know the essay is coming to a close.  Restatement of the thesis to start the conclusion paragraph.

Q & A: The Final Project What have you learned about yourself as a writer on this heroic journey in CM 107? As a life coach (hero), how can you be a helper for someone else beginning a journey? May choose the expository essay or an action plan format. The person being helped may be anyone: real, fictional, historical, etc.

Additional questions?

Thank you for a great seminar! Have a wonderful week! Dr. E.