The exploratory paper is a "process" assignment. That is, preparing it will help you advance to your first position paper. For the position paper you will take a position (or stand) on an issue, and defend it. The goals for the exploratory paper are to select your issue, to understand others' positions on it, and to begin developing your arguments. For this assignment:
- Select an issue (see issue test, Wood p. 26). An issue can involve belief that something is a problem, or belief about the cause of a problem, or a proposed solution to a problem.
- Locate several (3 to 5) articles or other sources of information on your issue, and read them.
- Identify at least two different perspectives on your issue (i.e. different stands on the problem; or different assessments of possible causes of the problem; or different solutions; etc).
- Write a three to four page paper (typed, double spaced), in which you:
- Explain the issue, why you think it is important socially, and why you are interested in it.
- Identify and explain two (or more) positions on the issue (i.e. note what the different positions are and some reasons for each).
- Explain what your stand will be on the issue.
- Make a tentative proposition or claim (see Rybacki Ch. 3), and indicate how you will support it in your position paper.
All papers should have a clear introduction in which you introduce the issue and preview the paper; and a conclusion that gives a sense of closure.