Thesis: Overview

1. Thesis: Overview

2. What is a thesis? • the·sis/THēsis/ (Noun): A statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved: "can you support your thesis?". • (in Hegelian philosophy) A proposition forming the first stage in the process of dialectical reasoning.

3. Your Paper: An Argumentative Paper… • Argumentative Paper: Makes a claim about at topic and justifies this claim with evidence. • Your claim: can be an opinion, policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause and effect statement, or an interpretation. • Goal: to convince the audience that the claim is true and based on evidence provided.

4. Your Thesis • Acknowledge a topic, then a controversy. • Explain what are the two sides of the controversy. • State the position that you will take; which side will you take? Example: Mandatory education is a controversial topic. Many believe that school is essential for society to succeed, so school should be mandatory. On the other hand, many also believe that students should be allowed to leave school at age 15 to begin pursuing a career, a job, or an apprenticeship. This paper will support the position that school should not be mandatory.

5. Your thesis cont. • Despite opposition, school should not be mandatory. Despite opposition----------acknowledges the opposing side. So what would be the opposing position then?

6. Let’s come up with the two sides of an argument…. Argument: The speed limit in Pennsylvannia should be increased to 85 m.p.h., from 65 m.p.h. Side A (support/agree) : Side B(opposition/disagree):

7. Let’s come up with the two sides of an argument…. Argument: The speed limit in Pennsylvania should be increased to 85 m.p.h., from 65 m.p.h. Side A (support/agree): Tests show that the majority of drivers actually speed on a regular basis, therefore the speed limit should be increased. Side B(opposition/disagree): The current speed limit keeps people safe.

8. Activity: What are the two sides?Directions: Come up with two potential sides to each statement. Side A agrees, Side B disagrees. 1) Smoking is bad for your health. Side A- Side B- 2) Men are not equal to women. Side A- Side B- 3) Mr. Smith is an effective teacher. Side A- Side B- 4. School should be year-round. Side A- Side B- 5. Cell phone have a place in schools. Side A- Side B- 6. Everyone should have to go to the military. Side A- Side B

9. Activity: What are the two sides?Directions: Come up with two potential sides to each statement. Side A agrees, Side B disagrees. 1) Smoking is bad for your health. Side A-It causes cancer. Side B-It makes you look cool. 2) Men are not equal to women. Side A-Men are stronger. Side B-Mentally they are equal. 3) Mr. Smith is an effective teacher. Side A- Most of his students go to college. Side B- His students have lower PSSA scores than most teachers’ students. 4. School should be year-round. Side A- Student’s “un-learn” during summer. Side B- They need a break. 5. Cell phone have a place in schools. Side A- They enhance student’s experience in school Side B-They disrupt learning. 6. Everyone should have to go to the military. Side A- Our country will be more unified/together. Side B- It puts people’s lives at risk.

10. Sr. Project Topic & Thesis Statement Worksheet (p9) • 1. Area of interest: Medicine • 2. Identify three controversies within your career interest: Stem cells, malpractice, cancer. • 3. Choose one controversy: There are arguments in favor of and against harvesting embryonic stem cells for research. • 3. Choose your position and write it into a sentence: Government should allow harvesting of embryonic tem cells for research. • 3. Add acknowledgement of opposing side to generate a working thesis: Despite opposition, government should allow harvesting of embryonic stem cells for research.

11. Sr. Project Topic & Thesis Statement Worksheet (p9) • Complete page 9 in your handbook in complete sentences. • When you are satisfied with your statement, transfer to your Proposal and Parent Contract on page 10-11.

12. Turn to page 10 in your handbook. • Write your thesis in the space provided. • Make sure your thesis does the following: 1. Acknowledge a topic, then a controversy. 2.Explain what are the two sides of the controversy. 3. State the position that you will take; which side will you take? ____________is a controversial topic. __(Supporting Argument)______. On the other hand__(Opposing Argument)_____. This paper will support__(Supporting Argument)___. OR Medical research is a controversial topic. Despite opposition, government should allow harvesting of embryonic stem cells for research.

13. Warm Up • New York City is considering a ban on large sugary beverages. This is very controversial. • What would be a claim that would support this ban? • What would be a claim that would oppose this ban? • What position would you take if this would happen here in Pittsburgh?

14. Proposal and Parent ContractDue Wednesday, Sept. 25 • Research(p13): Six Sources. One firsthand source. Five other sources from at least two types of sources. Firsthand Research- Find someone knowledgeable to speak with regarding your topic. Topic Firsthand Source Example: Death Penalty: Lawyer, Judge etc. Medical Issues: Doctor, Nurse etc. Business Issues: Banker, Business owner

15. Types of Firsthand Research (p13) You will conduct one of the following options: Shadowing – Follow them at their job duties to get a better understanding of the issue. Volunteering – Donate your time and work with this person to get a better understanding of the issue. Observation/Participation – Visit, view and actively participate with this person in their job to get a better understanding of the issue. Interview - Conduct an interview with this person to get a better understanding of the issue. This could be in person, over the phone or via email.

16. Research cont. • Besides first hand source, you must also show five other sources. • These five other sources must be from two different types: database and internet source, database and newspaper, etc.

17. Plan for Research (p14) • Cite specifically WHERE and WHEN you will conduct your research. • Research notes I– Background/History due Nov. 6 • Research notes II- Arguments due Dec. 18

18. PLAGIARISM POLICY: • Since plagiarism is a serious offense, Woodland Hills holds a Zero Tolerance policy on this practice. • Any evidence of plagiarized work will result in a “0” for the step plagiarized. • However, that step must still be completed correctly (for NO credit) before the next step can be submitted. • If the final paper is plagiarized, the student will receive a “0” and will not participate in the graduation ceremony.

19. Signatures • You do not need to have your Sr. Project Adviser sign your contract. • Your parents must sign. • You must sign. • I will sign when you turn it in and I approve your topic. Some of you may have to rewrite/rework your thesis.

20. It is a contract…do you know what that means? • Contract: NOUN: a written or spoken agreement, esp. one concerning employment, sales, or tenancy, that is intended to be enforceable by law. Don’t forget: Failure to turn in final copy on time will result in not walking at graduation. Failure of Sr. Project means repeating English 12.