IS299: Associates Capstone in Interdisciplinary Studies

1. IS299:Associates Capstone in Interdisciplinary Studies Unit 3 Seminar WELCOME! So glad you are here. We will begin right at 10pm.

2. IS299:Associates Capstone in Interdisciplinary Studies Unit 3 Seminar RESEARCH TO THESIS STATEMENT

3. Seminar Agenda • Questions • Choosing a sub-topic • Creating a research question • Thesis statement • Unit 3 Assignments • Questions or Concerns

4. Choosing a sub-topic • How do you feel about your sub-topic? • Is it just right? Not too big… Not too small… • What questions do you have? • We’ll work in partners to talk about your sub-topics.

5. Choosing a Sub-topic • With your partner: • Discuss why you chose your sub-topic OR What topics you are considering. • Share what sources you’ve found OR Explain any difficulties you’ve run into while trying to find sources What can you do to solve this problem?

6. Your Research Question • So now you have your sub-topic- If you don’t, keep your project ideas in mind to see which would fit the best with the criteria we are discussing. • What will your research question be? • Check out these resources that we took a quick look at last week. • Critical Thinking • What is an Argument? • Share your research question with the class.

7. The Thesis Statement! • Sometimes we hear the word thesis and it is a little scary- but don’t be overwhelmed. • You have your topic and your question. Now it is time to turn it into your thesis statement that will guide your research and your writing. • This is exciting!

8. The Thesis Statement! • First, let’s look at what makes a good thesis statement: • It should be contestable, proposing an arguable point with which people could reasonably disagree. A strong thesis is provocative; it takes a stand and justifies the discussion you will present. • It tackles a subject that could be adequately covered in the format of the project assigned. • It is specific and focused. A strong thesis proves a point without discussing “everything about …” Instead of music, think "American jazz in the 1930s" and your argument about it. • It clearly asserts your own conclusion based on evidence. Note: Be flexible. The evidence may lead you to a conclusion you didn't think you'd reach. It is perfectly okay to change your thesis! • It provides the reader with a map to guide him/her through your work. • It anticipates and refutes the counter-arguments • It avoids vague language (like "it seems"). • It avoids the first person. ("I believe," "In my opinion") • It should pass the So what? or Who cares? test (Would your most honest friend ask why he should care or respond with "but everyone knows that"?) For instance, "people should avoid driving under the influence of alcohol," would be unlikely to evoke any opposition. From http://www.sdst.org/shs/library/thesis.html

9. The Thesis Statement! • Now we’ll look at examples of weak thesis statements and talk about how to improve them. • These examples are from www.mce.k12tn.net/reading39/paragraph.../Thesis%20Statement.ppt

10. A thesis statement should not be too broad. Too Broad The world is a magnificent place to live. Better Good teachers make Mountain City Elementary a fantastic school.

11. Which sentence is too broad to be a good thesis statement? • One reason to live in Mountain City is access to many wonderful places to fish. • Mountain City is a great place to live.

12. Too Broad Mountain City is a great place to live.

13. A thesis statement should not be too wordy. Wordy Some problems with Mountain City Elementary School is that it needs a larger playground, an air conditioned gym, an auditorium, restrooms connected to each classroom, running water in the classrooms, and a number of other physical changes to the building. Better Mountain City Elementary needs several changes to its facility to make it a better school.

14. Which sentence is too wordy to be a good thesis statement? A. Abe Lincoln was one of the best presidents the United States has ever known. B. Abe Lincoln was an excellent speaker, the 16th President of the United States, a liberator of slaves, and united the North and South at the end of the American Civil War.

15. Too Wordy Abe Lincoln was an excellent speaker, the 16th President of the United States, a liberator of slaves, and united the North and South at the end of the American Civil War.

16. A thesis statement should not be too general. Too general Mountain City Elementary is a good school. Better Daily writing practice has led to improved writing skills for the students at Mountain City Elementary.

17. Which sentence is too general to be a good thesis statement? A. Music makes people happy. B. Music therapy is useful in relieving stress and other conditions.

18. Too general Music makes people happy.

19. A thesis statement should not be a title. A title Cost of Living Better The cost of living in Mountain City is lower than in most other cities in the United States.

20. Which sentence would not be a good thesis statement because it is a title? A. Good teaching has led to an increase in TCAP scores at Mountain City Elementary. B. Rising TCAP Scores at Mountain City Elementary

21. A Title Rising TCAP Scores at Mountain City Elementary

22. A thesis statement should not be a a fact. A fact The average temperature for Mountain City in winter is 34 and in summer is 75 degrees. Better The climate in Mountain City is ideal for outdoor sports.

23. Which sentence would not be a good thesis statement because it is a fact? A. The recycling of one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours. B. Recycling is one of the most important jobs a person can do to protect our environment.

24. A Fact The recycling of one aluminum can saves enough energy to run a TV for three hours.