Sociology Seminars Position Paper

Your Position Paper should include the following: References for everything Present arguments for both sides. With references. Use in text citations (Smith, 2008) OR “According to Smith’s 2008 study on…” Have a clear thesis that states your opinion. Have a bibliography. Be on 1 page, double sided (750 words) Be in paragraph format Reference journal articles

Introduction Paragraph A. Introduce the topic B. Provide background on the topic to explain why it is important C. Assert the thesis (your view of the issue). Be clear.

Present & Refute the Counter Argument A.Summarize the counterclaims (with references) B. Provide supporting information for counterclaims C. Refute the counterclaims (briefly state why you don’t agree at the end of the paragraph/s) This should be 1-2 paragraphs

Present your Argument Paragraph 1- Assert point #1 of your claims 1. Give your educated (with references) and informed opinion 2. Provide support/proof using more than one source Paragraph 2- Assert point #2 of your claims 1. Give your educated (with references) and informed opinion 2. Provide support/proof using more than one source Paragraph 3- Assert point #3 of your claims 1. Give your educated (with references) and informed opinion 2. Provide support/proof using more than one source

Your conclusion A.Restate your argument B.Summarize your main points C.Do not introduce new information

Position Paper Rubric Student: ____________________________ CriteriaLevel 1Level 2Level 3Level 4 Introduction and background of topic, including position of each side Student does not introduce topic with reference to positions for and against, or introduces topic with limited effectiveness Student introduces topic and positions of both sides with some effectiveness Student introduces topic and positions of both sides clearly and accurately Student introduces topic and positions of both sides thoroughly and with skill. Assertion of the thesis (student’s view on the issue) Student does not assert thesisStudent asserts thesis with some clarity Student asserts thesis clearly and accurately Student asserts thesis clearly with proper development. Argument(s) against thesisStudent does not address and/or refute any argument(s) against their position. No citations. Student addresses and/or refutes argument(s) against their position with some effectiveness. Limited citations. Student addresses and/or refutes argument(s) against their position clearly and accurately. Some citations. Student addresses and/or refutes argument(s) against their position thoroughly and concisely. With citations. Arguments in favour of thesisStudent does not support one side or the other, or does not support argument with anything other than opinion Student supports one side with some supporting information for their argument Student supports one side with clear and accurate argument, including referenced supporting evidence Student thoroughly develops arguments to support one side and provides varied, well referenced supporting evidence FormatPosition paper is not in paragraph form Position paper is in paragraph form but contains several writing errors Position paper is written in clear and accurate paragraph form with few writing errors Position paper is written in clear and accurate paragraph form with few, if any, errors. Student expresses written thoughts with eloquence and attention to detail. Citation of sourcesStudent does not cite sources or does so inaccurately. No bibliography. Accurate sourcing format but some citations lacking. Bibliography is incomplete. Student cites sources clearly and accurately. Bibliography included. Student cites sources thoroughly and with complete attention to detail. Complete bibliography